McClellan, Markey Reintroduce Legislation to Address Toxic Contamination and Clean Up Schools

Washington, D.C. – On World Children’s Day, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) reintroduced the Get Toxic Substances Out of Schools Act of 2024 to remove toxic substances from school buildings across the country.

Toxic substances including lead, asbestos, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are particularly prevalent in high-poverty schools. The Get Toxic Substances Out of Schools Act of 2024 would help schools remove toxic hazards threatening students and educators by authorizing grants under Section 28 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for monitoring and remediation of hazardous substances, as well as re-authorizing and expanding Title V of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to provide technical assistance to schools. The legislation would authorize $52 billion dollars over ten years and includes strong labor standards for projects funded by the grant program to protect and create good-paying union jobs. This bill would also authorize $1 billion over ten years to improve indoor air quality at schools and cut exposure to airborne hazards, such as radon, PCBs, smoke, asbestos, or mold.  

“Every child deserves to get a high-quality education in a safe and healthy environment,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “For too long, America’s kids have been exposed to hazardous substances that threaten their health, well-being, and academic success. As a mother to two children in public schools, I'm committed to addressing these long-standing issues. The Get Toxic Substances Out of Schools Act will help remediate these harmful substances, improve school facilities, and protect our children and future generations.” 

“When students spend hours every day among schoolhouse walls, they deserve clean, safe, and healthy environments in which to learn. We cannot continue to allow our educators and students—of all ages, but especially children who are more sensitive—to be subject to buildings filled with environmental hazards and toxic substances that can, and should, be removed,” said Senator Markey, member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety. “The Get Toxic Substances Out of Schools Act will ensure that we invest in clean schools and build healthier communities.” 

This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). 

This legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Environmental Working Group, the National Education Association, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the Healthy Schools Network, and the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools. 

Read the full text of the bill here.