Local legislators bill on lead pipe replacement signed by governor

A local legislator’s bill that would speed the process of replacing lead water pipes has been signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb.

According to the Indiana Senate Republicans, State Sen. Eric Koch of Bedford authored the bill, signed this week by Gov. Eric Holcomb, that will help protect Hoosier’s health. The bill enables utility companies that have lead line service replacement plans approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission do that work quickly, efficiently and at a lower cost, Koch said.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates more than 265,000 aging customer-owned lead water service lines remain in use in Indiana despite the U.S. banning the installation of new lead service lines in 1986.

Koch said the new law will take a step forward to address lead exposure in Indiana.

Koch’s district includes Jackson and Brown counties, as well as Lawrence and Orange counties and part of Monroe County.

Photo courtesy of Indiana Senate Republicans. State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), at right, joins Gov. Eric Holcomb for the ceremonial signing of Senate Enrolled Act 5 at the Statehouse Thursday, Aug. 15.