A bill filed in the U.S. Senate would allow for remodelers and homeowners to opt out of strict lead-control rules during renovations of pre-1978 homes if no children under 6 or pregnant women were in the house.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had the provision in its lead-paint rules until a lawsuit by the Sierra Club prompted its removal.
Remodelers who are up to speed on the regulations have argued that they lose business to general contractors who do not know about the rule and do not obey it.
Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., introduced the bill March 1.
