The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced three changes to its Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule and Lead-based Paint Activities Programs in an effort to improve day-to-day functionality and to clarify language for training providers.
The agency proposes eliminating the hands-on component of the RRP's renovator refresher training course. Officials say doing so would provide renovators better access to training and potentially increase participation. Additionally, the Agency is proposing to remove jurisdictions under the abatement program, a move it anticipates would lower burden and costs for applicants. Lastly, in hopes of clarifying what constitutes a violation while also making the regulations consistent with other lead-based paint programs, the EPA is adding new language to both the RRP and abatement programs regarding the requirements for training providers.
In addition to these changes, the Agency also is requesting comment on extending the renovator recertification deadline until this rule is finalized so more renovators can take advantage of it.
Beginning today, the pubic has 30 days to comment on the rule, which is published in the Federal Register. Links to information about the rule and the Federal Register notice on EPA’s Lead Program website are available at www.epa.gov/lead.