Jim Inhofe: “I would like to take a few minutes today to speak about the importance of oversight. As you may recall, on April 22…”

“I would like to take a few minutes today to speak about the importance of oversight. As you may recall, on April 22, 2010, EPA's new lead-based paint, the lead, renovation, repair and painting rule, went into effect. At that time, offices on the Hill were inundated with intense public outcry from constituents--from homeowners to contractors to landlords to plumbers--all trying to get more information about a rule that, in most cases, they had just learned about. People were confused about the implications of the rule. This rule affects anyone who owns or lives in a home built before 1978 and looking to do a renovation. Specifically, the rule requires that renovations in these homes 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. In my role as ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, prior to implementation, I sent several letters to EPA expressing concern with the rate of training. I wrote on two separate occasions warning EPA that it seemed badly unprepared to properly implement the rule. In both cases, EPA said they were ready.”