Bill would protect public health, safe drinking water for millions of Illinoisans
SPRINGFIELD, IL (May 11, 2021) -- Following bipartisan passage by the Illinois House of Representatives of the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (HB 3739), which would require all water utilities statewide to replace all lead service lines, Senate action is needed to eliminate this public health threat. A group of lawmakers, residents, and advocates will speak at a virtual news conference on Thursday, May 13, 10 a.m., to discuss how the bill will support the replacement of lead service lines across the state, the best way to eliminate toxic lead in drinking water. The bill is sponsored in the House by Illinois Rep. Lamont J. Robinson (D-Chicago) and in the Senate by Illinois Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake).
At least 686,000 lead service lines—an estimated ⅛ of all lead lines in the country—bring water into homes across Illinois, which has the most lead service lines in the nation. The Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act has garnered broad support from environmental, public health, housing, and family welfare advocates, as well as bipartisan lawmakers from every part of the state. The bill would require replacement of lead service lines, and establish a state grant program and technical assistance to support utilities in this work.
WHAT:
News conference where lawmakers, advocates, and residents discuss how legislation pending a vote in the Senate would help eliminate toxic lead from our drinking water
WHO:
Speakers:
Ill. Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake)
Ill. Rep. Lamont J. Robinson (D-Chicago)
Colleen Smith, Deputy Director, Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)
MariCarmen Macias, Licensed Childcare Provider, Chicago
Rick Terven, Jr., Legislative and Policy Director, Illinois Pipe Trades Association
Jeremy Orr, Senior Attorney, Safe Water Initiative, Natural Resources Defense Council
WHEN:
Thursday, May 13, 10 a.m.
WHERE:
Please register for this virtual news conference here. Upon registration, you will receive the Zoom link to access Tuesday’s event.
For more information, contact MPC Communications Consultant Mandy Burrell Booth at (773) 640-1206 (m), mburrellbooth@metroplanning.org; or Tucker Barry, IEC Communications Director, (337) 280-1269, tucker@ilenviro.org.