EPA backs down on lead paint training; sets Oct. 1 deadline for contractors

EPA extends deadline for lead paint training

WASHINGTON — Home improvement contractors will have more time to meet new federal requirements for dealing with lead paint.

The Environmental Protection Agency said it will delay until Oct. 1 a rule requiring contractors to take additional precautions when renovating houses where children could be exposed to lead dust from old paint.

The delay comes amid a storm of complaints from industry groups and congressional Republicans, who said the government has not provided enough trainers to help contractors meet an April deadline.

The new rule allows contractors to sign up for training by Sept. 30. Training must be completed by Dec. 31.

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., hailed the delay and called the initial rule a “disaster.”