Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) is commending the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal requiring all lead service lines be replaced. While the EPA has water standards regarding lead, this is the first time that the agency would require all lead-contaminated lines to be eliminated.

Among its many risks, lead poisoning impedes brain and bone development in children, and contributes to cardiovascular and fertility issues in adults.

“There is no safe level of lead. The EPA’s proposed rule will ensure that all children grow up lead-free,” said Jacobson.

Jacobson has been a strong advocate of removing lead from drinking water. He led the fight in Albany to increase funding for New York’s Lead Service Line Replacement program and co- sponsored the Lead Pipe Right to Know Act, requiring municipalities to identify any lead contamination in their water systems.

In August, Jacobson joined a meeting arranged by Congressman Pat Ryan with officials from the EPA, the Department of Health, and the City of Poughkeepsie to discuss additional funding from the Federal Infrastructure and Inflation Reduction acts. He then followed up with the Cities of Newburgh and Poughkeepsie to ensure that they successfully applied for the funds.

“Given the current state and federal funding available, I expect that all lead-contaminated lines in the Cities of Newburgh and Poughkeepsie will be replaced well ahead of the EPA’s proposed 10- year deadline,” said Jacobson.

To learn more or register for public information sessions, go to epa.gov/ground-water-and- drinking-water/proposed-lead-and-copper-rule-improvements.