Proposed Legislation Would Delay Expansion of LRRP Rules to Commercial Buildings

Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK)introduced the Lead Exposure Reduction Amendments Act of 2013 in the U.S. Senate, March 6, calling for changes to the Environmental Protection Agency's Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. Most notably, the actprohibits expansion of the rule to commercial buildings until EPA conducts research demonstrating the need for such action.

The EPA is currently in the process of developing certification, training and work practice requirements for renovation, repair, and painting activities on public and commercial buildings. This work builds on existing regulations requiring that renovations of homes and child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978 be performed by certified contractors using lead-safe work practices.EPA plans to hold a public meeting on renovations in and on public and commercial buildings on June 26, 2013.

The Lead Exposure Reduction Amendments Act of 2013 has been referredto the Committee on Environment and Public Works. More information about how the act would impact LRRP rules for residential buildings is available here.