Paint makers may face $2.4 billion cleanup tab; R.I. seeks court's OK for lead abatement plan.(Sherwin-Williams Co. and NL Industries Inc.)

Byline: DOUGLAS McLEOD

PROVIDENCE, R.I.-The Rhode Island attorney general has asked a judge to approve a statewide lead paint abatement plan that could cost three former lead paint manufacturers an estimated $2.4 billion.

State Attorney General Patrick Lynch earlier this month announced the plan, under which Sherwin-Williams Co., NL Industries Inc. and Millenium Holdings would have to pay for lead testing and abatement in more than 240,000 Rhode Island housing units and hundreds of schools and child care centers.

Rhode Island Superior Court Judge Michael A. Silverstein gave the three companies until Nov. 15 to respond to the plan, the terms of which …