|
Remodelers Get More Time to Study EPA Lead Paint Rule
In good news for remodeler members of NAHB, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is extending to May 25 the public comment period for its proposed "Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program" rule. This will enable the NAHB Remodelors™ Council to continue testing the actual exposures generated by renovation and remodeling activities, as well as the effectiveness of the lead-safe work practices EPA has proposed under this rule.
NAHB contends that the rule targets the wrong industry and will not accomplish the intended goal of reducing lead-paint exposure among small children because it applies only to remodelers or other professionals being paid to make renovations and not to home owners, who do the work themselves more than half the time.
As they are passed on to consumers, the extra costs of the materials and training needed to comply with the proposed lead-safe work practices will only encourage more unregulated “do-it-yourself” remodeling, according to NAHB.
Worst of all, said Remodelors™ Council Chair Vince Butler, a remodeler from Clifton, Va., “The unintended consequences of making it more difficult to hire a remodeler may leave even more children with the potential for exposure.”
With more time to conduct testing under the extended comment period, NAHB continues to seek the help of association members in locating appropriate buildings for the research. Members who can assist in this effort are being asked to e-mail environmental policy analyst Gary Suskauer at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8327.
EPA will be discussing the proposal at two public meetings this week: on April 4 in Atlanta and at a final meeting in San Francisco on April 6. For additional information, click here.
 Where is the Remodeling Market Headed?
Find out in the HousingEconomics Remodeling Forecast (for a sample, click here). Included are downloadable Excel tables and forecast data through 2014 with topics like "What Drives Remodeling?" and "Who is Remodeling?" Subscribe today!
 Attend the Spring Construction Forecast Conference in April
Plan to attend NAHB's Construction Forecast Conference on April 27 at the National Housing Center in Washington, D.C. The conference brings together the nation's premier housing economists and finance experts for an in-depth examination of the economic outlook for the housing industry.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/cfc.
Give Us Your Perspective on the NAHB Economics Blog
Give your economic perspective on NAHB's economics blog, “Seiders on Housing,” an informal Internet-based forum dealing with economic issues, housing trends, survey research and other topics affecting the housing sector of the economy.
Log onto the blog at http://nahbblog.blogs.com and get direct access to NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders' expert opinions, projections and responses. Then let Seiders know what you think.
|
