Arizona AG Kris Mayes launches probe into lead-covered cables across state over public health concerns
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Attorney General Kris Mayes of Arizona has launched an inquiry into the prevalence of lead-covered cables scattered across the state.
According to an azag.gov press release, recent reports have flagged these cables as a potential hazard to both public health and the environment.
Attorney General Mayes' pledge to investigate lead-covered cables
Expressing a deep commitment to the well-being of Arizonans, Attorney General Mayes emphasized the significance of this investigation.
“Ensuring the health and safety of Arizonans is one of my top priorities,” Mayes stated. “This inquiry on lead-covered cables is a critical step in assessing and mitigating any potential environmental or public health risks to our communities. I expect full cooperation from telecom companies as we work to protect Arizonans from any risks associated with the presence of lead-cables in our state.”
As part of this probe, the Attorney General's Office has dispatched letters to 200 telecommunication operators, including major players like Verizon, AT&T, and CenturyLink.
These letters request detailed information regarding any lead-covered cables within their ownership.
Reports indicate that these cables violate the safety standards outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water and soil.
The investigation aims to gather comprehensive data on the characteristics, locations, and extent of these cables, whether they are aerial, underground, or submerged.
Attorney General's drive for transparency in cable ownership
Notably, the Attorney General's Office has already identified one instance of a lead-covered cable spanning the Colorado River from Nevada into Mohave County.
A specific request for information has been directed to AT&T concerning a cable installed by Bell Telephone Company in 1949.
Telecom operators are expected to respond within 30 days, providing specifics about the cables under their ownership.
Further information may be requested based on the responses received, signifying the thoroughness of this investigation.
This initiative aligns with Attorney General Mayes' broader efforts to safeguard Arizona residents and the environment.
Mayes' multi-faceted legal actions for fairness and transparency
Previously, legal action was taken against chemical manufacturers for contaminating Arizona groundwater with PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals."
Additionally, Mayes pursued legal action by filing a lawsuit against pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and pharmaceutical manufacturers, alleging artificial inflation of insulin prices and a violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act.
Highlighting the staggering surge in insulin prices compared to other consumer goods and services over the last two decades, Mayes emphasized the plight faced by diabetes patients in Arizona.
The lawsuit's primary objective is not solely about reclaiming unjust profits for consumers but also to establish transparent operations within pharmaceutical companies.
This transparency will enable patients to comprehend the actual costs of their prescription drugs, a crucial step toward alleviating the financial burden faced by diabetes patients.
“While the drug companies and PBMs were engaged in a secretive system of baseless price increases and kickbacks, Arizona diabetes patients were facing life-or-death struggles to pay for their medication,” continued Mayes.
“This lawsuit will not only force these companies to return their unfair profits to Arizona consumers but will also force the companies to operate transparently so patients can understand the true cost of their prescription drugs.”