Lead-based Paint Not a Focus of New EPA Compliance Initiatives

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released new national compliance initiatives that focus on six priority areas. One priority area — lead exposure, including lead-based paint — was originally proposed in February but left off the final list. The final list, however, did include support of the Federal Lead Action Plan to reduce childhood lead exposure. The Federal Lead Action Plan addresses all potential sources of lead (e.g., drinking water and consumer products), not just lead-based paint. NAHB recommended to the EPA that the best way to increase compliance with the lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting (RRP) rule is to educate home owners and create a demand for certified renovation firms rather than increase enforcement of certified renovation firms. Based on this recommendation, rather than develop a new enforcement initiative to address lead exposure, the EPA will instead focus on implementing the Federal Lead Action Plan. This includes:

1. Increasing compliance with — and awareness of the importance of — lead-safe renovations under the RRP rule;
2. Developing a mapping tool to identify communities with elevated lead exposures;
3. Conducting targeted geographic initiatives; and
4. Undertaking public awareness campaigns on lead issues.

EPA will not cease enforcement of the RRP rule; in fact, the agency recently launched a targeted lead paint compliance initiative in Vermont. However, the EPA will not focus additional resources on lead-based paint as a targeted enforcement initiative. For additional information, contact John Kosco at 800-368-5242 x8124.