Through a coalition of construction and other business groups, ESA has worked to delay EPA enforcement of its Lead Renovation, Repair and Paint Rule to allow adequate time for industry professionals to become trained and certified in the new regulations. EPA declared intent to delay enforcement until October 1, 2010 in a letter sent to its regional enforcement offices.

Members should be aware of the regulations and become certified if they do any type of work in pre-1978 residential homes. Not only are the fines significant, but companies open themselves up to damaging lawsuits if they are uncertified.

Now that the residential rules are complete, the EPA has turned its focus to public and commercial buildings for similar regulations. The agency is in the information-gathering stage at this point.

For information and previously published articles on this issue, visit ESA's government relations page and this article from the April issue of SDM SmartHome.