Posts Tagged 'EPA'

EPA Delays Enforcement of Lead Paint Rule Until Oct 1, 2010

Published June 22, 2010 Building Industry , EPA Lead Rule , News 3 Comments
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National Lumber is pleased to pass along the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) announcement that the EPA has decided to delay enforcement on the lead paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule until October 1, 2010, to make time for all remodelers, electricians, painters, and other contractors to become certified.

From the NAHB press release:

“While remodelers, electricians, heating and air conditioning technicians and other contractors must adhere to lead-safe work practices, including special equipment filters and a ban on open flames, EPA will not take enforcement action against firms that have been unable to obtain certification until Oct. 1 of this year.

Individual contractors must apply to enroll in a training class by Sept. 30 and complete the training by Dec. 31, 2010.”

You can read the rest of the article here: NAHB Applauds EPA’S Decision to Delay Lead Paint Certification Enforcement

The Massachusetts Lead Paint Law Public Hearing

Published June 1, 2010 EPA Lead Rule , Helpful Hints Leave a Comment
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The Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety held a public hearing last Monday for comments and suggestions about how to implement the Massachusetts version of the new lead-based paint EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) law. The hearing was a success as there was a great deal of positive and constructive feedback regarding the issue. Construction law expert Andrea Goldman’s latest blog post is a list of the important issues and suggestions from this hearing.

You can read the commentary in her blog post here:  “The Massachusetts Lead Paint Law Hearing-Audience Commentary”

A more detailed account about the hearing can be found here in an earlier post: “Hearing with the Division of Occupational Safety about Massachusetts taking over the RRP Rule“

Senate Votes to Delay EPA RRP Lead Paint Violation Fines

Published May 28, 2010 EPA Lead Rule , News Leave a Comment
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There’s great news for contractors everywhere before the Memorial Day Weekend! Shawn McCadden has posted an article on his website today that the Senate has voted to delay the implementation EPA RRP lead-paint violation fines. This will give remodelers, painters, and other contractors more time to acquire the necessary training and certification.

Read more of the posted article here: Senate moves to put off EPA RRP lead-paint violation fines

Major EPA RRP Amendments: Opt-Out Provision Taken Away & Possible Dust Wipe Testing

Published May 13, 2010 Building Industry , EPA Lead Rule , News Leave a Comment
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Shawn McCadden has urgent updates about the EPA RRP lead rule in the latest EM-NARI newsletter. The opt-out provision that allowed homeowners to choose whether or not to abide by the RRP lead rule standards has been taken away. After July 6th, 2010, contractors and homeowners will no longer be allowed to opt out of the law. This means that all work that is not complete before that date will have to conform to the new rules, no matter what.

Also, there is a proposed amendment for mandatory dust wipe testing. Shawn writes:

“If dust wipe testing is added to the rule, it will dramatically change the remodeling process, as the wipes would be sent out to a lab for testing and the work area would need to remain off limits to the homeowners until the testing proves negative for lead dust. The renovator would also be responsible to keep re-cleaning the work area until the testing passes muster.”

Shawn is, however, pleased with the Massachusetts version of the EPA rule. It requires more, but is more clearly defined, and many of the new requirements were already OSHA regulations.

You can read more about this important development and more on page 9 of the EM-NARI newsletter here: May 2010 (PDF)

A little more about Shawn:

Shawn McCadden founded, operated, and sold a successful design/build company. A co-founder of the Residential Design/Build Institute and former director of education for a national K&B remodeling franchise, Shawn speaks at industry events and consults with remodeling companies. He is one of the industry’s leading experts on the EPA RRP Rule and how it affects remodelers and the supply chain.

You can visit his site at www.shawnmccadden.com, or email him at shawnm@charter.net

Shawn McCadden Update on the EPA RRP Rule

Published April 21, 2010 EPA Lead Rule , News Leave a Comment
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Shawn McCadden has an update on his website about the Massachusetts Department of Safety’s implementation of the new EPA RRP rule. You can read it here: Status of MA Taking Over Administration of the EPA RRP Rule.

EPA RRP Questions Answered

Published April 1, 2010 Building Industry , EPA Lead Rule , News 2 Comments
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Everyone still has a lot of questions about implementing the new EPA RRP (Renovate, Repair, and Painting) lead rules. We’re trying to help you find the answers.

Mark Paskell of the Contractor Coaching Partnership provided us with a PDF of the EPA’s most recent answers to contractor questions, as of March 18, 2010. Here is a link to the PDF file.

Shawn McCadden: EPA RRP Predictions

Published March 30, 2010 Building Industry , News Leave a Comment
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Shawn McCadden just posted a blog last night about his predictions for how the new EPA RRP rules will impact homeowners, contractors, and building suppliers. It’s a great read.

RRP Predictions: Dazed and Confused at Home and in the Lumberyard

Merkley Amendment Not Part of Health Care Bill Thanks to NARI Members!

Published March 22, 2010 Building Industry , News Leave a Comment
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A great update from NARI about the Merkley Amendment being taken out of the final draft of the health care bill!

From the NARI newsletter:

“With vote on the bill imminent, NARI reissued a Call to Action in early March urging NARI members to again voice concern and opposition to the Merkley amendment, which unfairly mandated remodeling/construction contractors with five or more employees to provide health insurance coverage.  No other industry with this employee threshold was required to do so. On March 21, the House passed the bill, and we learned that the Merkley amendment had been removed from the bill prior to passage on the basis that enough elected officials heard from contractors who voiced opposition.  To our knowledge, NARI is the only association that identified this onerous amendment and expressed opposition.”

You can read the rest of the newsletter, concerning NARI’s appeal to the EPA to delay the implementation of the new lead rule here: NARI Leaders Deliver Appeal on Capitol Hill

President Obama promises both jobs and energy savings from Homestar rebate program

Published March 12, 2010 News Leave a Comment
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On March 2, 2010, ProSales magazine posted a news article about the new “cash for caulkers” program that was first mentioned back in January. This program will be similar to “cash for clunkers” in that it will be a direct rebate program to homeowners, and also will be an extension of the energy-efficient incentives already being offered by the government. “The plan generated favorable but cautious support from building material dealers’ national trade group, which has been working hard to make certain the program benefits independent dealers.”

As reported by ProSales magazine, “President Obama wants the program, dubbed “Cash for Caulkers” and first mentioned in his January State of the Union address, included in a jobs package being drafted by Congress. The administration hopes the incentives will boost demand for building products such as insulation, energy-efficient windows, and roofing in the same way car sales skyrocketed last year when consumers were offered rebates for trading in their gas-guzzling autos for more fuel-friendly models. The White House says the program would create “tens of thousands” of jobs, cut energy bills for families by $200 to $500 per year, and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil. Administration officials are still working with Congress on details…”

Read more of the ProSales article “Obama Touts ‘Cash for Caulkers’ Energy-Efficient Retrofit Rebates”

Additional link for the White House Fact Sheet: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/fact-sheet-homestar-energy-efficiency-retrofit-program

NLBMDA Others Urge the U.S. Senate to Help Delay EPA Lead Rule

In related news, on March 8, 2010 industry leaders announced that they are seeking a delay in implementation of the new EPA Lead Rule because it is clear that EPA already cannot ensure enough certified renovators will be available for compliance with the LRRP by the deadline of April 22, 2010. They are connecting this with the proposed implementation of the Homestar program since retrofitting pre-1978 homes will certainly be part of those renovations.

You can read the full letter that has been composed to be sent to the Senate committee here.

National Lumber will continue to follow developments of these urgent issues and keep you informed.

Shawn McCadden and NARI Seek Answers from the EPA

Published March 5, 2010 Building Industry , News Leave a Comment
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The renowned remodeling expert Shawn McCadden now has a section of his website dedicated to the EPA RRP situation. McCadden, Greg Antonioli of Out of the Woods Carpentry, and Mark Paskell of the Contractor Coaching Partnership are awaiting the EPA’s response to their questions. Be sure to visit the “News and Past Events” page on his website (www.shawnmccadden.com) to keep up with the latest developments.

You can see his first post here: Eastern MA NARI Chapter tries to get their questions about the RRP answered by the EPA

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