Contact:

Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-9797

David Lungren David_Lungren@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-5642

Inhofe Launches Web Page to Provide Answers on Lead-Based Paint Rule

"My office has received a number of calls and emails from constituents all trying to get more information about the rule. In an effort to help alleviate that confusion, I am posting information on my website that will provide answers about the rule and how it affects you."  

   Click Here for New Web Page on Lead-Based Paint Rule

 Link to Inhofe "Dear Colleague" Letter on EPA Lead-Based Paint Rule 

Listen: Inhofe Radio Interview on Implementation of Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, in a YouTube video release today, announced the launch of a new web page providing information and answers to homeowners and contractors confused about EPA's new lead-based paint rule. Senator Inhofe also sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to share the same information with his colleagues looking to respond to similar questions from their constituents.

Transcript of YouTube Video

Hello, I am Jim Inhofe, Senator from Oklahoma.

We've got a serious problem.  Now, listen to this: On April 22, a new rule by the Environmental Protection Agency on lead-based paint went into effect that has caused a disaster in Oklahoma and around the country. My office has received a number of calls and emails from constituents -- from homeowners to contractors to landlords to plumbers -- all trying to get more information about the rule. In an effort to help alleviate that confusion, I am posting information on my website that will provide answers about the rule and how it affects you.

The rule requires that renovations in homes built before 1978 and that disturb more than six square feet must be supervised by a certified renovator and conducted by a certified renovation firm. In order to become certified, contractors must submit an application - with a fee - to EPA, and complete a training course for instruction on lead-safe work practices.  Those who violate the rule could face a fine of $37,500 a day.

Unfortunately, there are not nearly enough contractors that have been certified. That is because there are far too few people certified to teach the certification classes. For example, in Oklahoma, there is not a single person teaching classes publically. I am continuing to try to resolve this.

Let's understand this:  The Obama EPA has ruled that no one can repair a house as old as 1978 effecting six square feet, like one window, without a graduation certificate, and the EPA won't provide instructors to teach the classes.  And if you do it, you can be penalized 37,500 a day. 

For more information, visit my website at http://www.inhofe.senate.gov/ - there you will find a link that will help answer your questions. If the answer is not there, I have included contact information for my office.

This rule will affect more than 70 million homes in America, and I will continue to work to stop this jobs killer.

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