[libertarian27]

The EPA lead laws just tightened up big time a couple of months ago - most handymen and contractors can’t touch much in a pre-70’s house without first being “newly” lead certified.

[bareford101]

obamanation regime at it’s worst: target the people who work in order to sQueeze the money out ‘em.

this is so obvious that I hope everyone who works in contracting finds out!

most of the “lead” is in other countries, but, we, the working Americans are paying for it..... as usual in the obamanation administration!

[There's millions of'em]

Yep. The new rules (for pre 1979 built) are onerous and the penalties will crush a small company. Something like $37,500 for each infraction.

Already seeing customers blackmail contractors after a completed project with threats to file a complaint unless contractor cuts price.

The new regs have doubled the cost to install windows around here (DC metro).

I won't take any projects that might fall under the new rules and none of the small contractors I know will either. Worse than the asbestos or mold regs. Just crazy.

Here in MD all contractors MUST be lead paint certified which means they have to attend a 1 to 5 day course on the precautions required and the clean up and post job testing. The classes cost $400 - $900 per person around here.

I took the class in Baltimore and of the 20 attendees, 16 were unemployed and their training was paid for by the city to try and help these folks become more employable.