NAHB has part of a good idea. They are filing suit against the EPA for removing the "opt-out" provision from the Lead Paint Rule. This means that a lot of wasted time, money, and paperwork are going to be involved complying with the Rule when often it is not necessary.
The "opt-out" Rule which was removedthe beginning of last week, allowed - and would allow again if reinstated - a homeowner to stipulate that no pregnant women or children under 6 resided (for more than 2 days a week) in the pre-1978 home. Without this, needless compliance will happen- at a tremendous expense and inconvenience.
NAHB stopped too soon. Rather than just suing for reinstatement of the "opt-out" they should have sued for repeal of the Rule. So should the NAR. After all, it's existing homes that are remodeled, not new ones.
For decades, homes with lead paint have been renovated. Now, it's a crime to do so without proper certification and hazmat suits? Studies have shown that the little amount of lead particles that become airborne are not a significant health risk. The EPA so much as admits that with the "opt-out" provision they originally included.
More useless regulation. This is an easy one to fix.
Cut out the regulation, cut out the $300 classes and $300 registration fees, refund everyone who already has paid either or both, furlogh all the people at EPA associated with this program, and cut the budget of EPA. This is positive progress toward fiscal responsibility..
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Steve
Repealing the rule would be in order.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Steve....were I in or from the UK you would hear-- HEAR ! HEAR!-- coming from our side of the country. We are all being 'ruled' to death by those in this congress & Administration that want to "be in TOTAL control. " of every facet of living. Good for the NHBA & thanks to you for posting this.
Not so certain that NAR will do anything very soon, but it needs to be done with the atmosphere of "must get it done and soon" that pervades Washington DC & some state legislatures.
Barb & Sal
By now the number of homes that still have lead paint, has to be minuscule. There's no need for more bureaucracy to deal with it.
Steve,
I think that the timing on this, whole idea, is crazy and shows that there are those in charge who do not understand economics or stimulating the economy. I would disagree with the poster above about there being few houses with lead. Basically anything pre-1978 has lead-based paint and more than half the inspections I do in this area involve such houses. Many historic homes, and less interesting ones, have lead-based paint.
There is NO reason that this should be a federla issue. It should be up to the states to decide what to do here...
I think lead based paint still is a problem. Some of the hell holes I go into with peeling paint, flaking layer after layer is a hazard. Just plain scary! These are not new homes but repos...
Remember when Saturday meant weekend and time off?
Paul
Like the FCC, this is the way the EPA needs to act to feel important especially around budget time. If they don't do something, then everyone will ask "Why do they need money again?"
Just another bureaucracy to go through for homeowners and investors. They don't care what it costs us as long as they have their jobs.
Featured in Tea Party and reblogged!
WAIT a Cotton Picking MINUTE!!!
I've paid GOOD MONEY,
spent a DAY in CLASS
and gotten my CERTIFICATION.
I've got my WHITE suit and GLOVES and my Cleaning Guide
....NOW, you want to CANCEL THE PARTAY?
Lou,
It would a great first step in actually cutting government waste. :)
Steve
Barb and Sal,
Thank you. I agree that NAR is seriously missing the boat here. :)
Steve
Jon,
Hear, hear. :)
Steve
Steve,
The number is shrinking all the time, and many homes built in the 70s used lead-free latex paint. :)
STeve
Lane,
Or even local health departments. The issue is not as severe as they would have us believe. :)
Steve
Paul,
There are many homes with this issue, but many more without. Still it doesn't need a federal response. :)
Steve
Todd,
Certainly bureacratic logic. :)
Steve
John,
Well said. :)
Steve
Kevin,
Thank you. :)
Steve
Wallace,
We'll give you a refund and you can return the white suit or save it to use for Halloween. :)
Steve
Wait til they find out that lead wasn't removed from plumbing solder until 1993! Once they figure that one out how long before the Fascists jump in to CONTROL that!
Jay,
I hadn't researched that, but the thought had crossed my mind. :)
Steve