One More Week to Comment on EPA Lead Paint Clearance Requirement

Next Friday is the deadline for public comment on the EPA's proposed change to the LRRP to include a post-project clearance requirement.

The proposed change would require remodelers to test for lead and provide the results to owners and occupants after projects in a pre-1978 house.

To comment on the rule and see past comments, visit www.regulations.gov. The docket number for the rule is EPAHQ-OPPT-2005-00492. NAHB members can also access tips that the association put together for its members to comment on the proposed revision.

This is separate from the removal of the opt-out provision, which has already taken effect, but is being challenged in court by NAHB and other trade associations.

EPA Delays Lead-Paint Rule Enforcement

Great news from the EPA today, via NARI.

The agency has agreed to delay enforcement of the LRRP rule until October 1, 2010, citing the need for more time for firms to get trained and certified.

Click here to read the EPA's letter announcing the delay.

Lead paint rules finally getting some consumer attention

Now that the new lead paint rules have been in place for a little over a week, it seems like it's finally getting some attention from the consumer-oriented media.

The Chicago tribune had an article today on the new rules (even quoting the research we did at Professional Remodeler earlier this year). It's good to see the information finally getting out there, especially as remodelers have been trying to get the media to cover this for months.

Other outlets, including the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Baltimore Sun and Atlanta Journal-Constitution have covered it in recent days as well. Still, most remodelers I've talked to say that the average homeowners has no idea this is going on. Hopefully, some more media coverage will help to change that.