State Rep. Jena Powell | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Jena Powell | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Representatives Lauren McNally and Dontavius L. Jarrells, along with environmental advocates and community partners, emphasized the importance of passing House Bill 534, known as Ohio’s Lead Line Replacement Act, during a press conference in Youngstown. Ohio is currently second in the nation for having the most lead pipes delivering water to families.
Rep. McNally highlighted the critical need for clean water infrastructure: “When it comes to the government, it does not get more basic than the infrastructure that creates clean water. Clean water is the very essence of and fuel for our survival. It should be the bare minimum for the government to meet this basic need." She further explained how Youngstown faces significant challenges due to population loss leading to fewer resources while dealing with aging pipes.
Rep. Jarrells, sharing his personal experience as a lead poisoning survivor, stated, “I’m not just speaking for myself—I’m speaking for every child who wakes up to drink a glass of water that could be poisoning them." He stressed that "HB 534 saves lives and the time for action is now.”
The bill aims to protect residents from lead exposure and offers an economic incentive. A report suggests replacing lead pipes could boost Ohio’s economy by $145 billion to $185 billion over 15 years. Christopher Cólon from the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund described it as "common-sense legislation" beneficial for public health and job creation.
House Bill 534 also focuses on workforce development and ensures that low- and moderate-income customers will not bear replacement costs.
A livestream of Wednesday’s press conference can be viewed online.
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