EPA Delays Implementation of Lead Paint Removal Rule

Online, July 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The EPA has delayed the implementation of its lead paint removal rule temporarily to ensure that the renovators have enough time to certify themselves completely. This delay has come through the efforts of Senator Jim Inhofe from Oklahoma.

The RRP Rule or the Renovation-Repair-Painting Rule first came into force on April 22, 2010. It focuses on homes built in the years before 1978. Contractors and renovators now have to get appropriate certification to work in these houses, and follow certain practices aimed at reducing exposure to lead and the protection of children. Firms also have to receive certification regarding
their practices.

However, the implementation of the rule meant that renovators and contractors had to get training as fast as possible. This resulted in a shortage of trainers for the certification. Without the certification, they could not work on older homes. If they were to break the rule, they would have to pay as high a fine as $37,500 for a day of uncertified work.

As a result, many renovators would have to turn down precious work until they received their certification. Recognizing this problem of shortage, the United States Senate passed legislation through a bipartisan vote resulting in the blockage of fines until October 1.

Jim Inhofe, the topmost Republican on the Senate Committee for Public Works and Environment said that he was pleased with the withdrawal of the fines, as he and others in the Senate believed that the rule was a disaster because the EPA had not arranged for enough trainers. In addition to the October 1 extension, the EPA will not fine those contractors who have enrolled for the certification training by September 30, and who complete training by December 31. This will ensure that the renovators and contractors, whether small scale or large scale, will have enough time to get appropriate training before the EPA imposes the rule.

Senator Susan Collins from R-Maine supported the new legislation saying that children in Maine were at a particularly high risk of lead exposure. This is because the people of the state built above sixty percent of their homes before 1978, after which the country banned lead paint. The new legislation ensured that contractors at all levels would get the requisite training, thus encouraging mold rid practices.

By accepting the terms of the new legislation, the Senate believes that the EPA has finally recognized the difficulties faced by the trainers in the process of earning the certification and training. This is a complete turn from their stance earlier, when they were strongly advocating the implementation of the new rule by spreading awareness regarding the dangers of lead paint and the number of American children still suffering from the paint. They had also developed an entire timeline for the development and enforcement of the new rule.

People have received this delay with mixed feelings. While some are still concerned about the dangers of lead and the repercussions of this delay, others believe that proper care and procedure is more important than the mere removal of the paint.