Home Builders Association of Grand Traverse Area, Inc.

CODE CORNER - CURRENT TOPICS

The National Association of Home Builders commends the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for rejecting a proposal to add third-party clearance testing to the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP). Read more

Amendment Would Cut Funding for Lead Paint Rule Enforcement

With strong NAHB support, the House Appropriations Committee approved a key amendment offered by Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) this week that would cut funding for EPA enforcement of the lead paint rule until the agency approves an appropriate test kit. Read More

2010 MANDATORY LEAD SAFETY TRAINING / CERTIFICATION IMPACTS HOME RENOVATION & REPAIR INDUSTRY

Does your business involve the renovation, repair or painting of structures built before 1978? If so, there are new federal regulations that must be followed in order to protect children from lead-based paint hazards that can result from this type of work. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (RRP) last April. The rule requires firms and individuals involved in interior and exterior renovation repair and painting to be certified by April 2010 and that they follow specific lead-safe work practices to minimize exposure to lead-based paint dust. As a contractor, you play an important role in protecting public health by helping prevent lead exposure. Ordinary renovation and maintenance activities in older structures can create dust that contains lead--even small amounts of lead can harm children and adults.

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RENOVATE RIGHT - Important Lead Hazard Information and Compliance Guide

EPA LEAD PAINT RULE & REMODELING by Bill Packer

EPA LEAD RULE ENFORCEMENT FACTS

HOUSING FINANCE

SENATE SET TO HEAR PROPOSALS FOR HOUSING FINANCE FUTURE

The Senate Banking Committee will hear proposals March 29 for replacing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in a new housing finance system.

In February, the Treasury Department proposed winding down the government-sponsored enterprises and gave Congress three possible options for what could replace them.

Following the report, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner urged Congress to pass legislation within the next two years.

And both chambers have started the reform process.

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE

Throughout my term as Governor, I will deliver Special Messages on policy issues that are vital to Michigan’s future. They will be delivered to my partners in the Michigan House and Senate so that we can initiate discussion and action on innovative reforms that best serve the people of Michigan. Today, I am offering the first such message.

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