FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 21, 2010

Contact: Lauren Laney

501-758-3646

lauren@hbaglr.com

EPA DELAYS ENFORCEMENT OF NEW LEAD: RENOVATION, REPAIR AND PAINTING RULE UNTIL OCTOBER 1, 2010

June 21, 2010 – The Homebuilder's Association of Greater Little Rock applauds the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision to delay enforcement of the new Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule. “This will provide much-needed time to get more remodelers and other contractors trained – and for EPA to get the word out to consumers about the importance of hiring a Certified Renovator,” said Keith Wingfield, HBA-GLR President. Since April, the HBA-GLR has had over 90 contractors and sub-contractors receive the certification, which is a small portion of the area’s remodelers.

            “EPA listened to our concerns and did the right thing,” said National Association of Home Builders Chairman Bob Jones. In a revised guidance released on Friday, EPA acknowledged that remodelers in many parts of the country have been unable to obtain the required training to comply with the rule – a problem that NAHB has urged the agency to solve since the rule was announced two years ago.

            While remodelers, electricians, heating and air conditioning technicians and other contractors must adhere to lead-safe work practices, including special equipment filters and a ban on open flames, EPA will not take enforcement action against firms that have been unable to obtain certification until Oct. 1, 2010. Individual contractors must apply to enroll in a training class by September 30 and complete the training by December 31, 2010.

            “This rule potentially affects about 79 million homeowners. That’s how many homes were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned,” said Jones. We need significantly more contractors certified than the 300,000 who have taken the training course, and we also need to make sure that affected homeowners understand the importance of hiring a Certified Renovator.”

            For more information about the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule or for future course dates, please contact the Homebuilder's Association of Greater Little Rock at 501-758-3646 or visit www.hbaglr.com.

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The Home Builders Association of Greater Little Rock was established in 1952 to promote the housing industry, and professionalism within the industry.  Quality workmanship and products, reliable craftsmanship, and a desire to provide safe and secure homes for the Central Arkansas area have been the benchmark of the Association for over 50 years.