50+ Housing e-Source - 11/13/2009 (Plain Text Version)

Pat Kelley
50+ Housing Council Chair

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In this issue:
50+ Housing Council Member ALERT!

50+ Housing Council Member ALERT!

NAHB 50+ Housing Council members are urged to comment on a recent proposal by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would add more requirements and costs — and subject the remodeling and renovation of an estimated 40 million additional residences — to the lead paint regulations that will go into effect in April 2010. Owners and managers of pre-1978 buildings will be required to hire certified renovators, educate renters, and more.

The proposal, a result of the EPA’s recent settlement with environmental advocates, would remove the “opt-out” provision in the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule governing remodeling activities in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 that are more likely to contain lead.

If the “opt-out” provision for homes without children under six and pregnant women as residents were to be removed, all pre-1978 housing would be subject to the rule, including 55+ housing — where it is extremely unlikely that there would be children or pregnant women.

The proposed rule would require remodelers and other contractors (such as carpenters, plumbers, roofers, window and siding contractors, HVAC, electronic installers and maintenance personnel) doing work in residences affected by the lead paint regulation to pay a $300 fee to certify their firms, have a trained and certified lead renovator on staff, educate owners and residents, contain and clean up dust, conduct a final dust wipe to confirm cleaning, and maintain records of all the work done. The rule would go into effect in April 2010.

NAHB is submitting comments to EPA with concerns about EPA’s proposing changes to a rule not yet in force, the lack of trainers to train contractors by April 2010, and the great increase in costs because of the rule. NAHB members are encouraged to use the template letter and tailor with any additional comments, including:

Estimates of costs to your business (including labor, record keeping requirements, insurance, tools, materials, and more)
Concerns about use of unscrupulous contractors to avoid greater costs due to the rule
Lack of training providers for obtaining certification by April 2010
EPA’s lack of outreach to builders, remodelers, trades, and other affected contractors
EPA’s lack of outreach to building owners about the rule and how it may cost them more in contracting and remodeling expenses
EPA’s creating confusion by proposing changes to a rule that has not been fully implemented.

The full proposed amendment was published in the Federal Register and can be downloaded in PDF format.

The EPA comments are due Nov. 27.

Members who wish to send comments to the EPA can download and complete a member-only letter template created by NAHB.

Members who have noticed an impact on their business from the new lead paint regulation and wish to submit information for the NAHB comment letter are urged to e-mail Matt Watkins at NAHB with details; or call him at 800-368-5242 x8327

For more information on the current rule, including obtaining training and certification, visit www.nahb.org/leadpaint.