State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus), along with environmental advocates and community partners, kick off a four-day, statewide press tour to highlight House Bill (HB) 534 - Ohio's Lead Line Replacement Act.

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.

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