A new regulation governing the handling of lead paint during renovations is supposed to come into effect April 22, but industry groups and home improvement retailers are lobbying fiercely to postpone it. The law requires contractors who work in older homes to undergo government certification and follow mandated procedures for managing lead paint dust.

Home Depot and Lowe's are among the companies that say the government hasn't given the home improvement industry enough time to prepare for the changes. So far the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified 135 businesses, according to industry groups. Two years ago, when it announced the rule, the EPA estimated 212,000 businesses would need to be certified under the rule.

Violators of the rule could face fines of up to $37,000 per day for each violation.

For more, read the Wall Street Journal story.

A new regulation governing the handling of lead paint during renovations is supposed to come into effect April 22, but industry groups and home improvement retailers are lobbying fiercely to postpone it. The law requires contractors who work in older homes to undergo government certification and follow mandated procedures for managing lead paint dust.

Home Depot and Lowe's are among the companies that say the government hasn't given the home improvement industry enough time to prepare for the changes. So far the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified 135 businesses, according to industry groups. Two years ago, when it announced the rule, the EPA estimated 212,000 businesses would need to be certified under the rule.

Violators of the rule could face fines of up to $37,000 per day for each violation.

For more, read the Wall Street Journal story.