Good news for contractors regarding the new Lead based paint law.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.nahb.org


NAHB Applauds EPA'S Decision to Delay Lead Paint Certification Enforcement

WASHINGTON, June 21--The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision to delay enforcement of the new Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule will provide much-needed time to get more remodelers and other contractors trained - and for EPA to get the word out to consumers about the importance of hiring a certified remodeler, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

"EPA listened to our concerns and did the right thing," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

In revised guidance released on Friday, EPA acknowledged that remodelers in many parts of the country have been unable to obtain the required training to comply with the rule - a problem that NAHB has urged the agency to solve since the rule was announced two years ago.

The issue came to a head in May after floods devastated parts of Tennessee and there weren't enough certified remodelers to complete much-needed home repairs. NAHB and its state home builders association proposed a delay in enforcing the rule -- a decision EPA consented to in its letter on Friday.

While remodelers, electricians, heating and air conditioning technicians and other contractors must adhere to lead-safe work practices, including special equipment filters and a ban on open flames, EPA will not take enforcement action against firms that have been unable to obtain certification until Oct. 1 of this year.

Individual contractors must apply to enroll in a training class by Sept. 30 and complete the training by Dec. 31, 2010.

"This rule potentially affects about 79 million homeowners. That's how many homes were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned," Jones said. "We need significantly more contractors certified than the 300,000 who have taken the training course, and we also need to make sure that affected homeowners understand the importance of hiring a certified contractor."

Homeowners can find a certified firm at this link. Remodelers can search for an EPA-approved training provider at this link or contact their local home builders association here to find Certified Renovator training sessions.


ABOUT NAHB: The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 175,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with more than 800 state and local home builders associations around the country.

How can ancient mythology help us go green?

OC Green Realty is forming an alliance with Icarus Green Energy Solutions, in my due diligence researching their company, I of course, went to the about us section of their website. Here is why they call the company Icarus:

The story of Icarus dates back to the times of Greek Mythology. Icarus was the son of master craftsman Daedalus the inventor of carpentry. Imprisoned on the island of Crete, Icarus and Daedalus needed to plan an escape. Using his skills for building, Daedalus constructed wings made of wax and feathers to be used to fly Icarus and himself off the island. The plan was a success except for one major detail: THE ENERGY FROM THE SUN! In flight after the escape, Icarus flew too close to the sun. The sun melted the wax of his wings and Icarus’ escape ended in tragedy.
What can we learn from an ancient Greek mythological story today? Daedalus could have gone GREEN and utilized the energy of the sun! The 20th century Icarus has gone green and like his father is a master craftsman rebuilding green communities across the world. Icarus’ mission is to spread the word of going green and advocating energy efficiency and energy independence.

This company can help you with an energy audit, an energy efficient mortgage and general tips on going green in your home. I am excited to find them, and to be working with them, as they encompass all the support services I need as an EcoBrokerTM and Green Real Estate Agent to serve my clients with an extra package of services and products they need. I am forming an affiliate program for my clients to receive comlimentary upgrades and services through Icarus.

We have alliances with an Interior Designer, A Feng Shui Master, and Green Architects. Check out our website on the resources link page: http://www.ocgreenrealty.com/default.asp_Q_f_E_links