NARI appeals for stricter lead rule enforcement

In a letter addressed to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) requested stricter enforcement of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) Rule.

The EPA originally postponed enforcement of the rule until Dec. 31, 2010, to allow contractors time to receive the required training. NARI contends that since that deadline has passed, EPA should “aggressively and consistently enforce” the regulation.

According to NARI, although 400,000 professionals have been trained in lead-safe practices, some non-certified contractors continue to perform work on pre-1978 homes in violation of the LRRP rule. Due to concerns over homeowner safety, and the economic viability of contractors that do comply with the rule, NARI appealed to the EPA crack down on any contractors performing illegal work.