Rep. Jarrells, Community Organizations Discuss Societal, Economic Benefits of Ohio's Lead Line Replacement Act
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus), along with environmental advocates and community partners, will kick off a four-day, statewide press tour to highlight House Bill (HB) 534 - Ohio’s Lead Line Replacement Act - with the kickoff event Tuesday, September 17th at 10:00am at the Statehouse.
The legislation is designed to get the lead out of Ohio’s drinking water systems by eliminating lead water service lines within 15 years. HB 534 includes key provisions that support workforce development and ensure low- and moderate-income customers will not be burdened by the cost of replacement.
After Tuesday’s event, Rep. Jarrells, local elected officials and environmental advocates will make stops in Youngstown (September 18th), Cleveland (September 19th) and finally Cincinnati (September 20th).
Ohio currently ranks second in the nation for the most lead pipes serving families, with an estimated 745,000 still in use. Exposure to lead, even at low levels, can cause serious health effects in all age groups — especially in children. Removing these service lines is not only critical to protecting Ohioans from the threat of lead exposure in drinking water, but it comes with an extreme economic incentive for Ohio as well. A brand new report shows the monetized social benefit of replacement of lead pipes will grow Ohio’s economy by between $145 and $185B over the next 15 years.
WHO: State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus)
Annalisa Rocca, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund
Meleah Geertsma, Alliance for the Great Lakes
Alicia Smith, Junction Coalition
WHAT: Ohio’s Lead Line Replacement Act Press Conference
WHEN: Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, 10:00am
WHERE: Ohio State House, Ladies Gallery
1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH 43215
WATCH: The press conference can be viewed here.
RSVP: Emily Bacha, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund