NAHB has been challenging the EPA since they decided to remove the opt-out provision of the Lead Paint rule - a rule that never should have been passed in the first place. EPA is making laws. Congress is nowhere to be found.
The NAHB challenged the EPA but ended up going to the DC Circuit Court to argue their case.
The Lead Paint rule affects so few Americans yet has been implemented at a huge cost to remodelers, trade ontractors, and homeowners. Ignoring the rule carries a huge 5-figure daily fine if caught.
The opt-out rule would not save the remodelers or contractors any money because they woulld still need to be registered with the EPA after taking a $300 course and paying a $300 license fee.
What the provision would do is save the homeowners from a lot of the testing, mess, and paperwork - plus the added cost that goes along with the mandated extra provisions.
The opt-out existed from the time the rule went into effect in April of this year until July 1st. It allowed - in all homes built in 1977 and earlier (even if no lead paint was used) - for the homeowner to affirm that no children under 6 or pregnant women resided in the house or visited it on a regular basis - thus making the provisions of the Lead Paint rule inapplicable for that home.
Too early to tell, but it sounds like the EPA found at least one sympathetic ear on the bench.
Congress, do your job and nix the whole thing - EPA and all.
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As someone who specializes in the sale of Victorian homes, this is having some impact on sales because most people who buy old houses want to do some kind of remodeling. And like most things run by the government, it depends on which day, which person, which hour, which office you speak with that determines the answer that you get.
I know for a fact, one aspect of this rule is that now the cities of America have another program attached to their Housing Authorities. Now, the same incompetent boobs that have caused the Section 8 program to be a massive, costly failure is now in charge of fixing the same housing destroyed by the tenants. Just more money down the drain.
Steve ....I thought this had gone away ......Amazing!
Hi Steve - Congress is bad enough but the regulators have run amok.
Mimi,
Unfortunately, all of them fall under this rule. :)
Steve
Steve
This another rule the country doesn't need.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Dale,
It was a poorly conceived rule that needs to go away. :)
Steve
Rob,
Not until the EPA goes away or Congress takes it away. :)
Steve
Conrad,
We are being governed by bureaucrats who can "write" their own legislation. :)
Steve
Lou,
Definitely. :)
Steve
Just another regulation that the Obama administration has plced upon the backs of people without the consent of Congress.
Nick,
From the folks at EPA - "Extremely Progressive Agenda." :)
Steve
Isn't that what Obama was elected for - to be extreme - progressive and Oppressive - agenda
Featured - This post is now featured in Silent Majority Group of Active Rain!
Nick,
Seems so. :)
Steve
Nick,
Thanks for the feature. :)
Steve