LSL Policy Lowdown: June 1-7, 2026

🔎Legislative Scanner

Check out state LSL bills worth keeping an eye on by visiting EPIC's legislative scanner.

Federal updates

New report shows copper prices climbing sharply in Q2

A new Gordian report found that copper prices increased by ~5.3% compared to the previous quarter and 18% since last year. The increase in pricing largely attributed to supply chain constraints and strong demand tied to large-scale tech projects.

EPIC’s take: 👀Though the report focuses on copper for electrical uses, similar pressures could impact LSL replacement costs. Rising prices are likely to drive more water utilities to consider the trade-offs between long and short-term costs and benefits when selecting replacement materials. We also expect debates around material mandates to intensify if prices continue to increase.

State updates

Louisiana is on a roll breaking barriers for private-side replacements

LA SB228, a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of public funds to replace service lines on private property, passed both houses and now heads to the polls for voter approval.

EPIC’s take: 👍Louisiana keeps leading the way in removing barriers to full replacement. Constitutional limitations on using public funds —such as water rates or municipal bonds—to cover private-side replacement costs are not unique to Louisiana. While some argue that these restrictions don't apply to LSL replacement because of its public health benefits, utilities can be hesitant to assume that legal risk. This amendment provides utilities the certainty they need to move forward. Combined with another recent bill enabling utility access to private property, the state is building a strong framework that would accelerate replacement efforts.

Mayors push back on Ohio’s LSL replacement mandate over funding concerns

• OH HB573 establishes a statewide 15-year LSL replacement mandate. While local leaders are generally supportive of the bill’s goal, mayors across Ohio have raised concerns over how communities will cover costs without dedicated funding sources.

• EPIC’s take: 🚩This is likely a preview of what many states will face in coming years. As IIJA dollars phase out and with no signs of new federal LSL appropriations in sight, replacement mandates without dedicated funding will likely face increasing resistance from local governments. If states want to meet LCRI requirements, they will need to take on a more proactive in ensuring that water utilities have the resources they need.

New York wraps up its legislative session falling short on LSL action

The Good: New York streamlines environmental review for LSL projects. Governor Hochul signed legislation amending the state’s environmental impact review processes to speed up infrastructure projects —including LSL replacement. The law also pushes agencies to expedite determinations on whether projects qualify for exemptions apply and if environmental impact statements are needed.

EPIC’s take:👍Cutting red tape is key to accelerating LSL replacement. We are all for streamlining permitting and review processes. So when New York recently requested ideas, we  offered similar recommendations. Unlike other major water infrastructure projects LSL replacement happens in already-disturbed residential areas, generally posing fewer environmental impact concerns. Targeted exemptions will help communities move projects faster and unlock access to SRF funding, where these environmental review requirements can pose significant hurdles.

The Bad: The state failed to pass the Lead Pipe Replacement Act (A7878-A/S6892-A) for the second year in a row. This bill  LSL bill would have codified the LCRI at the state level and included provisions to:

• Remove barriers to access by clarifying utility authority and allowing occupant-permitted access

• Explicitly authorize the use of public funds for private side replacement, addressing  uncertainty surrounding the state’s constitutional gift clause.

• Require the use of copper for replacements (with exceptions)

Funding also fell short. While both houses proposed $100M dedicated to LSL replacement as individual line items, the final budget added a mere $25M to the existing Clean Water Infrastructure Act (CWIA)  funding, which supports a broad range of water infrastructure projects. Two additional funding bills —S1850-B and A8190—that would have provided direct  support to municipalities, thus bypassing the competitive grant process were introduced but saw no movement.

EPIC’s take: 👎So many missed opportunities. New York has the third highest number of LSLs in the country, yet it continues to lag behind other states when it comes to taking state-level actions that accelerate replacements. The most promising aspects of this bill were its provisions to remove barriers to  private-side replacement, something we see a growing number of states actively addressing. Unfortunately, the bill faced significant pushback from utilities and local governments over replacement material mandates and original provisions related to standalone gooseneck replacement, with concerns centered around costs and resource constraints.

We share those concerns. Setting water utilities on "wild gooseneck chases" can divert limited resources from replacing known LSLs and material mandates could increase costs without necessarily improving outcomes. Utilities should have the flexibility to choose the means and methods that best fit their communities’ needs.

Want to learn more?

Visit EPIC's LSL Replacement Initiative page and our Lead Innovation Hub.