WASHINGTON – EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt called for a “coordinated” response between New York State and City officials to address the ongoing lead crisis.

Asked whether federal intervention is needed to protect New York children and tenants from lead poisoning, the Environmental Protection Agency chief urged action on all fronts.

“I think a local, state and federal response that is very coordinated and collaborative is terribly important,” Pruitt said in an interview. “We each play a role. I’d love to see steps taken at the local level to invest.”

Gov. Cuomo already announced an emergency declaration for New York Housing Authority buildings and pledged an additional $250 million for upgrades. But heated public squabbles over resources and responsibility with rival Mayor de Blasio have complicated progress.

Pruitt declined to weigh in on the Cuomo/de Blasio feud but encouraged broad infrastructure investment from all levels to prevent children from getting sick.

“I think the governor’s call for that is important and it’s something we think is important as well and we need to contribute to it along with the states, local cities and towns,” Pruitt said.

While the problems in NYCHA are centered on lead paint, Pruitt has primarily tackled the issue of eliminating lead poisoning from water. He raised concerns over high lead levels found at certain New York City school water fountains.

“I do think that what happened in Flint is something that could happen elsewhere,” Pruitt said. “We just simply need to take steps to do all that we can to address it prospectively and proactively.”

Pruitt estimated it would take $40 billion – $45 billion to replace lead service lines nationwide and suggested President Trump’s $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan can assist states and cities with the costs.

“I really believe that we ought to set a goal as a country that, over the next 10 years, that we ought to work with respect to investments in our infrastructure to eradicate lead in our drinking water,” Pruitt said.

He added: “It can be achieved. Some of the mental-acuity levels of our children are being impacted adversely as a result of this.”