Four states act to ‘Get the Lead Out’ of school drinking water

Four states are taking action to protect school children after the release of “Get the Lead Out,” a report by our network partner Environment Research & Policy Center.

In Montana, Gov. Steve Bullock sharpened up a proposal to clean up lead in schools’ drinking water. In Texas, State Director Luke Metzger testified at the Legislature for a bill setting strong lead standards for schools. Environment Florida State Director Jennifer Rubiello testified in support of SB 66, a bill that would require the state’s schools to install filters to remove lead on outlets used for drinking and cooking. The Maryland Legislature passed a bill that allows funding from a “healthy schools” program to be used to get the lead out.

“There’s no reason why, in 2019, our kids should have to worry about lead in their water at school,” said John Rumpler, senior director of our national clean water program. “It’s encouraging to see these states doing something about it.”

Read the ‘Get the Lead Out’ report.

Photo: State Director Luke Metzger (at podium) and Environment Texas staff and interns held a press conference on March 21 urging the Legislature to get the lead out of Texas schools. Joining them were Ken Flippin of the U.S. Green Building Council, state Rep. James Talarico, Austin parent Brennan Griffin. Credit: Chelsea Vincent Photography