Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Governor Hochul Signs the Lead Pipe Right to Know Act

 

Nation-Leading Public Health Legislation Builds On And Surpasses Federal Standards for Lead Pipe Notification

Legislation S.5512/A.6115 Requires Public Water Systems to take Service Line Inventories and Make Information Available to the Public

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation S.5112/A.6115, also known as the Lead Pipe Right to Know Act, to protect New Yorkers from the extraordinary public health risk posed by lead pipes. The legislation requires making information easily accessible to the public about the number and location of lead pipes so that state and federal resources can be secured and efficiently targeted to support local efforts to remove all lead pipes impacting New York’s drinking water.

“Lead poisoning poses a clear and present danger to the health and well-being of all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “This nation-leading legislation will protect New Yorkers from lead pipes, which are proven to cause extraordinary harm. I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect the health and well-being of New Yorkers.

Legislation S.5112/A.6115 requires water utilities across the state to publicly share how many lead service lines are present in their distribution system and where those lines are located so that individuals and policymakers can understand the full scale and extent of the lead service line issue.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera said, "I am grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for signing my Lead Pipe Right to Know Act into law, and cementing New York's position as a leader in enacting progressive climate change legislation. This law will take stock of our state's water pipeline infrastructure and ensure access to clean water to New Yorkers across the State. We must combat environmental injustice and with this law, we will keep our communities healthy and safe.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This is good news, but what about the the pipes in the apartment buildings and private homes that may have lead in them. This legislation is only half done. 

No comments:

Post a Comment