Industry Associations Ban Together to Urge Delay on Lead Paint Rule
March 15, 2010

Several industry associations have united to urge the Environmental Protection Association (EPA) to delay the implementation of its new lead paint rule, officially known as “Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule” (LRRP). The associations, including the Window and Door Manufacturers Association, the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, the National Association of Home Builders, as well as several private organizations, including Lowe’s and The Home Depot, penned a group letter, submitted to several U.S. Senate members involved in the development of the rule, seeking a delay, noting concerns about EPA’s ability to implement the rule on its scheduled effective date (April 22), along with concerns about its effect on the economic stimulus weatherization program.

“As manufacturers, distributors, retailers and installers of new construction materials, we support efforts to ensure that home renovations in pre-1978 homes are conducted in accordance with EPA’s LRRP requirements,” reads the letter. “Unfortunately, based on EPA compliance needs estimates, we do not believe EPA is prepared to adequately implement the LRRP. Further, if implemented now, the LRRP will negatively affect the economic stimulus funding designated for housing weatherization and planned efforts for a national residential retrofit program.”

They go on to express that the same homes affected by the rule—those built before 1978—are the same that the weatherization program and HOMESTAR program target. The letter points out that the HOME STAR program “is at the risk of derailing compliance with the LRRP, or vice versa, that compliance with LRRP will subvert the ability to deliver jobs and save energy in the oldest, least-efficient housing stock.”

According to the rule, contractors (including contract glaziers) who disturb painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes are required to be certified in lead abatement before these regulations become effective. According to the RRP, contractors disturbing painted surfaces on a non-emergency repair in a pre-1978 home that is more than 6 square feet in any particular room (interior) or more than 20 square feet per side (exterior) must follow lead-safe work practices. Considerations for contract glaziers working on these jobs include determining whether the glazing compound was painted over; whether the glazier would be disturbing any painted surface; and checking to see whether the painted surface is on the interior or exterior.

CLICK HERE for full text of the letter.

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