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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help

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Thursday, October 10, 2024   

Clean water advocates in Massachusetts are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water in schools remains at risk.

The agency set a 10-year deadline for most utilities to replace lead service lines but omitted requirements for schools to replace any fountains or plumbing with lead components.

John Rumpler, clean water director for the Environment America Research and Policy Center, said it is up to state officials to protect kids and get the lead out.

"We really need a different strategy to ensure that our kids' water is safe where they go to learn and play each day," Rumpler contended.

Rumpler argued Massachusetts should follow Michigan's lead in using federal infrastructure dollars to install filters certified to remove lead on all school taps used for drinking or cooking. A recent report gave Massachusetts a grade of "C-" for its efforts to reduce exposure to lead in K-12 schools.

Several decades after the dangers of lead pipes were established, more than nine million pipes remain in use. The toxic metal is particularly dangerous for children and can lead to brain or nervous system damage, delayed development and behavioral problems. Rumpler added the EPA missed an opportunity to better protect students but a growing number of states and cities are requiring lead filtration systems themselves.

"If you're a school district, consider doing what Philadelphia, San Diego, Detroit, Milwaukee and so many other school districts are doing voluntarily to get the lead out and ensure safe drinking water for kids," Rumpler urged.

To help rural towns and cities comply with the new rule, the EPA is making an additional $3 billion available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The 2021 measure initially provided $15 billion to help cities replace their lead pipes but government officials estimate the total cost will be several times higher.


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