Pennsylvania Gets 'F' For Removing Lead Plumbing In Schools, Environmental Report Says

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS/AP) — A report by an environmental and consumer advocacy group is giving Pennsylvania an "F'' for its efforts to remove lead from drinking water in schools. PennEnvironment and PennPIRG released the grade Tuesday, saying Pennsylvania hasn't been aggressive enough in replacing lead pipes, plumbing or fixtures in schools.

This comes just days after Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf pitched a plan to finance a $4.5 billion capital plan by taxing Marcellus Shale natural gas production as a way to help Pennsylvania schools clean up environmental health hazards.

Wolf toured Taggart Elementary School in Philadelphia last Thursday as he worked to raise support for his plan. Taggart Elementary like others in Philadelphia is in the midst of removing lead paint.

Lead can cause lifelong brain damage and other harm, especially for children, although Pennsylvania health officials say exposure to lead-based paint chips and dust, not tainted water, is the primary cause of childhood lead poisoning.

The state Department of Environmental Protection said in 2016 it had reviewed public water systems serving more than 6 million people and that none exceeded federal standards for lead in drinking water.

Wolf's proposal will be up to the Legislature, where the Republican-controlled House has rejected Wolf's previous overtures to tax natural gas. Under Wolf's plan , a $4.5 billion bond would fund a wide range of projects, from controlling floodwaters to fighting blight.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)