EPA Delays Enforcement of RRP Certification Requirement

EPA Delays Enforcement of RRP Certification Requirement

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will delay enforcement of the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule's firm certification requirement until Oct. 1. In addition, the agency will not enforce against individual renovation workers for violation of the rule's renovation worker certification requirement if the person has applied to enroll in, or has enrolled in, a certified renovator class by no later than Sept. 30; the training must be completed by Dec. 31. For more information on the rule, visit www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm#requirements. According to an agency statement, "EPA is simply giving firms more time to file the appropriate paperwork demonstrating they are following the lead-safe work practices. Moreover, EPA is also giving individual contractors more time to enroll in and take the required training courses." Industry groups had lobbied to extend the deadline for compliance due to the lack of training opportunities for certification. The rule applies to all contractors—including wood flooring contractors—disturbing more than 6 square feet of coatings in homes built prior to 1978.