PITTSTON — The Pennsylvania Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a public hearing on Oct. 30 in Luzerne County on lead exposure and mitigation in Pennsylvania.
Representatives from the Department of Health, the cities of Wilkes-Barre and Pittston, Pediatric Associates of Kingston, the Department of Environmental Protection, and Pennsylvania American Water were among those offering testimony.
Earlier this year, the Senate approved legislation that created a Lead Task Force and Advisory Committee to study the extent of lead contamination in Pennsylvania and provide recommendations on changes to laws and policies. An advisory committee comprised of cabinet officials, water utility employees, medical, health and education professionals, and others, will conduct a comprehensive review of Pennsylvania law and public policy and develop best practice recommendations.
Specifically, the analysis will assess the age and condition of public and private housing, water pipelines, school buildings, and day-care facilities, and the prevalence of lead in these spaces; the threat lead exposure poses to public health; and how Pennsylvania’s approach to the issue compares to other states.
Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20th District, participated in the hearing and will be involved with the Lead Task Force in her role as chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. That panel will review the information gathered and determine what changes to existing lead testing, abatement and remediation efforts are necessary.
Andrew M. Seder
District Communications/Constituent Services for Pike and Wayne Counties
Office of Senator Lisa Baker
2512 Route 6
Hawley, PA 18428
(570) 226-5960
aseder@pasen.gov
www.senatorbaker.com