WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA) introduced H.R. 2093, the Lead Exposure Reduction Amendments Act of 2013. The measure would provide a much-needed legislative fix to EPA’s lead renovation, repair and painting rule (LRRP).

Under this regulation, any renovation — however minor — that disturbs more than six square feet of a pre-1978 home, window or door must follow rigorous work practices such as plastic sheathing and lead dust control, all supervised by a so-called “EPA-certified renovator.” The current standard is so burdensome, older homes are treated like Superfund sites requiring intensive costs borne by the homeowner.

The Murphy bill reforms the current lead paint regulation so it is effective, affordable and protective of pregnant women and small children from lead hazards. Specifically, the legislation requires EPA to restore the “Opt-Out Provision” which would allow homeowners without small children or pregnant women residing in the home to decide whether to require LRRP, and it would lower compliance cost with the rule by $336 million.

The legislation would suspend the rule if EPA cannot approve one or more commercially available test kits that meet the regulation’s requirements. It would also stop the EPA from expanding enforcement of the rule to cover commercial buildings, allow remodelers to correct paperwork errors without the threat of significant financial penalties and provide an exemption for emergency renovations. The bill is supported by a strong coalition of home builders, contractors and remodelers who are struggling to comply with the rule.

“The federal government monitoring how you paint your kitchen walls is straight out of a Twilight Zone episode. My bill protects children’s health without burdening homeowners and contractors with costly regulations that have little relevance in routine home repair and upkeep,” said Murphy.

 Source: Tim Murphy