Rep. Jarrells, Community Organizations Highlight Societal, Economic Benefits of Passing Lead Line Replacement Act in Cleveland

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus), along with environmental advocates and community partners, continued his four-day, statewide press tour Wednesday in Cleveland highlighting the need to pass House Bill (HB) 534 - Ohio’s Lead Line Replacement Act. Ohio currently ranks second in the nation for the most lead pipes serving families. As a child growing up in Cleveland, Rep. Jarrells was a victim of lead poisoning in his drinking water that led to medical issues. 

“This #GetTheLeadOut Press Tour is about more than policy-it’s about people. Families like mine have lived through the devastation of lead poisoning, and we refuse to let this silent crisis rob another generation of their health, potential, and future,” said Rep. Jarrells.

Exposure to lead, even at low levels, can cause serious health effects in all age groups — especially in children. 

"Here in Cleveland, we’re grateful for the leadership of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, Cleveland City Council, and community partners like Robin Brown who are tackling Cleveland’s legacy of lead poisoning. We applaud these efforts and we know that we must continue to eliminate the threat of lead exposure from our drinking water, which is why the OEC Action Fund supports House Bill 534, the Lead Service Line Replacement Act,” said Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund’s Brian Siggers.

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. 

“Let's get this prevention started, so we have no more kids being poisoned by lead. It's time to stop lead poisoning,” said Concerned Citizens Organize Against Lead’s Robin Brown.

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.