Industry News

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The BIA of Central Ohio closely follows news reports, industry trends and community information on behalf of our industry. We are also a trusted source for the media, and are frequently contacted to share our expertise for news stories.

NAHB to sue EPA over lead paint regulations

WASHINGTON, July 8--A coalition of housing industry groups joined the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) today in announcing plans to file a lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for removing the "opt-out" provision from its Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule.

The Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (LRRP) applies to homes constructed before 1978 when lead paint was banned. Its opt-out provision, which expired July 6, let consumers allow contractors to bypass extra preparation, clean-up and recordkeeping requirements in homes where there were no children under 6 or pregnant women, thus avoiding additional costs.

"Removing the opt-out provision more than doubles the number of homes subject to the regulation," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a home builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. "About 79 million homes are affected, even though EPA estimates that only 38 million homes contain lead-based paint. Removing the opt-out provision extends the rule to consumers who need no protection."

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association joined NAHB in filing the petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

The group will challenge EPA's action on the grounds that the agency substantially amended its LRRP regulation without any new scientific data and before the regulation was even put into place on April 22, 2010.

"Even under the original rule, the opt-out provision was not available in homes where small children or pregnant women live," Jones said. "That shows that this change provides no additional protection to the people who are most vulnerable to lead-based paint hazards."

Remodelers' and other contractors' estimates of the additional costs associated with the lead-safe work practices average about $2,400, but vary according to the size and type of job. For example, a complete window replacement requires the contractor to install thick vinyl sheeting to surround the work area both inside the home and outdoors - with prep time and material costs adding an estimated $60 to $170 for each window.

"Consumers trying to use rebates and incentive programs to make their homes more energy efficient will likely find those savings eaten up by the costs of the rule's requirements. Worse, these costs may drive many consumers - even those with small children - to seek uncertified remodelers and other contractors. Others will likely choose to do the work themselves - or not do it at all - to save money. That does nothing to protect the population this rule was designed to safeguard," Jones said.

NAHB - July 8, 2010

Council intrigued by corridor possibilities

Dublin City Council members are interested in new development possibilities for the city's core, but they believe it's wise to proceed with caution.

The Bridge Street Corridor study, which began over the summer, had been on council's wish list for years. As part of the study, speakers were brought in this fall to discuss possible future development, demographics and market trends

This Week - Dublin - December 16, 2009

Chamber sees signs of hope in economy

It may be getting better.

According to a ColumbusChamber report released Tuesday, a comparatively mild impact from the recession and predicted employment growth are causes for optimism in Central Ohio.

Business First of Columbus - December 8, 2009

MORPC urges leaders to get on board watershed plan

Just two weeks remain for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to get enough local officials to agree to participate in a balanced growth plan for the Olentangy River watershed.

Delaware News, SNP Online - December 3, 2009

Parade of Homes goes urban with New Albany site in '10

The Building Industry Association of Central Ohio will take a new direction for next year's Parade of Homes. The 58th parade will be held in New Albany's village center at Ackerly Park.

Delaware News - August 4, 2009