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Legislation introduced in the House of Representatives this month would require EPA to reduce the action level for lead in drinking water from its current standard of 15 parts-per-billion (ppb) to 10 ppb by next year and to 5 ppb by 2026. The measure would also create a national lead service line inventory to make homeowners aware of where the lines are located.

Sponsored by Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), the National Opportunity for Lead Exposure Accountability and Deterrence (NO LEAD) Act (H.R. 3677) is similar to legislation he has offered in previous years. But the proposal might stand a better chance of gaining traction this year with Democrats in control of the House of Representatives.

“The Lead and Copper Rule is outdated, putting children and families across the country at risk,” Rep. Kildee said in a statement. “I am proud to introduce the NO LEAD Act … and update the Lead and Copper Rule to better protect public health and restore public confidence in their water systems.” Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) is expected to introduce a Senate version of the proposal.

Rep. Kildee’s statement said the bill would also help guide the EPA review of the Lead and Copper Rule to make lead testing reports more comprehensive and make the reports easily available to the public. EPA has repeatedly delayed plans to propose revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule, but the agency’s most recent update said the new regulations could be proposed this month. If enacted, Rep. Kildee’s legislation would override EPA’s proposed revisions.