In the latest example of government insensitivity and regulations gone amok. the EPA has refused any type of relief to homeowners and contractors in western Tennessee - recently ravaged by floods.
The new Lead Paint rule which went into effect on April 22nd will not be violated, extended, or relaxed.
EPA has ruled that even though relief efforts, repairs, and rebuilding will be hampered, slowed, and more costly by enforcing the lead paint rule, they really don't care. A rule is a rule.
The NAHB and the HBA of Tennessee have tried in vain to get the provisions relaxed or waived.
Nothing has really changed except that a few weeks ago the repairs to pre-1978 homes could have been made. Now, the same repairs are illegal. These are not elective repairs where a person has time to choose a certified contractor and comply with the requirements. These are emergency repairs and rebuilding to put homes back together.
I question the need for the rule to begin with. It is afterall more government regulation for something that was not an issue anyway. We've gotten by all these years without it. Now it's the law of the land, and only a small percentage of contractors and remodelers have gotten certified to date.
This rule needs to be shelved immediately for Tennessee. Then we'll get it pulled for the rest of us.
It is a cash cow for the EPA with upwards of $600 per person for the training and registration - plus excessive paperwork and compliance requirements - and a daily penalty of $32,500 for doing work while not being certified.
Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN) and Sen. Susan Collins (ME) are working to restrict EPA's enforcement. They should just repeal it.
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Steve
Over regulations is out of control on this lead paint issue in the flooded area of Tennessee.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Another way to enforce the communist agenda through environmental protection
I'm laughing and coffee is spilling out of my nose at 5:20A as I am getting ready to go take my $350 EPA mandated lead paint repair/rennovation course! I am no longer taking pre78 properties for management and I like the ones I have now so getting the education is my best CYA
Leave it to the government to create regulation that cuts the throat of the taxpayers. Someday there will be no taxpayers at this rate.
Lou,
It is overly burdensome on Tennessee and not really necessary anyplace. Remodelers generally use good practice in keeping down dust anyway. :)
Steve
Nick,
EPA needs its budget severly restricted. Let the layoffs begin. :)
Steve
Wallace,
Hope you didn't hurt yourself. After the course, there is a $300 application fee. Good move to be covered but an unnecessary regulation. :)
Steve
Michael,
We will all work for the government if they have their way. :)
Steve
I have never seen as much idiocy in action as in the past couple years.
Steve,
It's all designed to bypass Congress and make administrative laws to advance their agenda. :)
Steve
Just seems like another burden being piled on top of the backs of Americans. Lead paint has been around for what a couple hundred years and seriously how many people have died from it? Any? Especially in Tennessee, give them a break please.
Rob,
Exactly. Give us all a break and layoff all of the EPA regulators who wrote the regs, enforce it, and monitor it. That will help the old federal budget and all of us as well. :)
Steve
Steve * instructor says EPA has over $660 million and has not even STARTED with gearing up for audits!
Wallace,
This program needs cancelled right now. They could easily add thousands of people for the audits and enforcement - then they'll need even more money. :)
Steve