Rep. Jarrells Thanks President Biden For Outlining New Funding To Deliver Clean Drinking Water

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) today proudly stands alongside President Joe Biden in acknowledging his monumental efforts to replace lead pipes across America, particularly as he highlights that over 367K lead pipes have already been replaced nationwide under his administration. These efforts have benefited nearly 1M Americans and mark a significant stride toward ensuring clean, safe drinking water for all communities.

"I want to express my gratitude to President Biden for his leadership and unwavering commitment to environmental justice. His announcement Tuesday regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule requiring the replacement of lead service lines within 10 years underscores the federal government's dedication to this pressing issue. With an investment of $2.6 billion for drinking water upgrades funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are on track to create a healthier future for all Americans," said Rep. Jarrells.

As the Assistant Minority Leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Jarrells has introduced House Bill 534, bipartisan legislation aimed at eliminating every lead pipe in Ohio. This initiative is not just about infrastructure; it's about the health and future of our children and families. Lead poisoning poses serious risks, especially to our most vulnerable populations. It causes irreversible cognitive damage and increases the risk of severe health issues. The urgency to act is clear.

"Ohio has a unique opportunity to be a leader in this critical endeavor," continued Rep. Jarrells. "There is data to support that there are real economic benefits to removing Ohio's lead pipes. As a state, we are wasting more money keeping our current systems than it would be in the long run removing them."

A recent cost-benefit analysis projects that replacing all lead service lines in our state will cost approximately $4.9B. However, the public health and economic benefits are staggering, with estimates indicating a potential boost to our economy of $145 to $185B over the next 15 years. This represents a remarkable 31-to-1 return on investment, suggesting that for every dollar we invest in removing lead pipes, Ohioans can expect to see $32 to $45 in benefits.

"As we move forward, I urge my colleagues and all Ohioans to support this critical legislation. Together, we can ensure that our communities have access to clean, safe water, paving the way for a healthier and more prosperous future. Let us work together to eliminate lead pipes in Ohio and build a better Ohio for all of us," concluded Rep. Jarrells.

The benefits of this initiative extend beyond health; it will lead to more job opportunities statewide, higher wages, and improved quality of life through reduced water waste and enhanced public health. A significant portion of these benefits will stem from reduced water waste (51%) and improved heart health (41%), with additional gains from increased IQ levels (5%) and decreased infant mortality rates (3%).