Kasich Tried To Rid Ohio Of Lead Before Water Crisis

An Ohio law on the amount of lead allowed in pipes and plumbing fixtures is out of compliance with federal standards, despite attempts by a Republican presidential nominee to change it.

As part of a two-year budget plan, Gov. John Kasich, who is in the running in the GOP presidential primary, proposed “in a 2014 bill and again in February 2015 a little-noticed provision that sought to bring Ohio law in line with federal rules limiting the amount of lead in pipes and plumbing fixtures. Both times, Republicans who control both branches of the General Assembly removed the proposals,” The Columbus Dispatch reported.

Ohio law allows pipes and plumbing fixtures to include 8 percent lead, matching previous federal regulations. But federal standards changed two years ago to allow only .25 percent lead.

Nevertheless, it appears that facilities in Ohio are complying with the federal standard. A U.S. EPA spokesperson told The Dispatch that “the state is, in practice, using the new standard.”

“Although state law is out of compliance, the Ohio Department of Commerce has incorporated the new 0.25 percent lead limit into its standards for new homes and building construction,” the report said.

Ohio recently went through a significant lead scare in the city of Sebring.

“It all started after levels of lead were found in seven homes tested. Tests showed lead levels at 21 parts per billion in some homes according to a spokeswoman for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency,” Fox 8 reported.

The lead crisis in Flint has led to calls for Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to resign, according to The Detroit News. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy has also been urged to resign, the report said. Why has GOP presidential hopeful Kasicheluded similar criticism despite the lead crisis in Sebring?

“The reason is simple: A state official appointed by the Michigan governor played a major role in the Flint crisis. Much of the blame for the Sebring problem rests with village leaders,” Cleveland.com reported.

“Responsibility for the Flint crisis points toward the Michigan governor's office. A public official appointed by the governor made the switch to lead-tainted water to save money. In Sebring, local officials and the Ohio EPA share the blame. While Kasich oversees the Ohio EPA, the governor was not directly involved,” the report continued.

For his part, Kasich says the Sebring situation is “not even comparable” to Flint, according to the Associated Press.

“We’re on top of it and things are fine,” he said.

To read more about the laws that govern drinking water contaminants, visit Water Online’s Drinking Water Regulations And Legislation Solutions Center.