Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Tuesday announced the Senate unanimously passed his legislation that would enhance the quality and safety of drinking water by lowering the maximum lead content of plumbing products.

Senate Bill 1254 would make the state Plumbing System Lead Ban and Notification Act consistent with a 2011 change in federal law that became effective on January 4 of this year.

"This bill addresses not only an environmental concern – but it will also greatly improve the quality and safety of our drinking water supply by lowering the amount of lead allowable in plumbing products," Sen. Yudichak said.

Senate Bill 1254 would lower the maximum lead content of plumbing products from 8 percent to .25 percent. The bill would also establish a statutory method for the calculation of lead content.

Sen. Yudichak said the legislation was drafted at the request of the Department of Environmental Protection.

The bill will now goes to the House for consideration.

4/14/2014