U S Environmental Protection Agency

Review of Hotline Complaint Concerning Cost and Benefit Estimates for Epa's Lead-based Paint Rule U S Environmental Protection Agency

Publisher Marketing: The 1992 Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act established Title IV of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). TSCA required EPA to issue a rule by 1996 to regulate the lead hazards created from renovation work. In 2005, EPA was sued by environmental groups for failure to issue the Lead Rule by 1996. In a January 2008 settlement agreement, EPA committed to issuing the Lead Rule on or before March 31, 2008. In addition, under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, the EPA Administrator was directed to finalize the Lead Rule by March 31, 2008. EPA issued the final rule on April 22, 2008. The purpose of the 2008 Lead Rule was to address lead-based paint hazards created by renovation, repair, and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint in target housing1 and child-occupied facilities.2 Under the Lead Rule, firms that perform renovation, repair, or painting activities for compensation in buildings covered by the regulation must be EPA certified, train at least one of their employees as a certified renovator, use a certified renovator to train other workers to perform renovation activities, and ensure that lead-safe work practices are used for projects that disturb lead-based paint.