We just received two new dates for Contractor EPA Certified Renovator Training. Our West Boylston training on 1.13.2010 is sold out in three weeks over the holidays. That was pretty fast. Likely this is a sign that training venues will be in high demand throughout the spring.

Recently on the NARI LinkedIn group, professional contractors shared their views on the EPA's enforcement of the Renovate, Repair and Painting Rule. One huge concern  is contractors who comply will have to compete against thousands of illegal contractors who do not.  

In September, we recognized that there would be a shortage of EPA approved trainers for the Boston market to train contractors, remodelers, and the trades in time for the 4.22.2010 effective date. Currently there are just over a 100 approved trainers nationally and half a dozen in Mass. This presents a huge challenge for our industry. There will not be enough available training space for all that need to be trained before the effective date.

Yesterday Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley (Dem) pulled a fast one on small contracting firms. He convinced his party colleagues to help union contractors compete with small contractors, making them carry employee health insurance. He added an amendment to the senate health bill to force contractors, remodelers, small home builders and trades with as little as 5 employees to carry health insurance. No one will say that health insurance isn't important because we all know it is. However, this is discrimination since it only applies to contractors and exempts all other industries who are exempt with 50 or less employees. 

Another well intended unfunded mandate is about to turn the residential construction industry up side down. By now, many readers of this blog know of the impending EPA RRP Lead Law effective on 4.22.2010. Needless to say the EPA doesn't have the funding for the appropriate enforcement. There are many comments on the forums, saying the EPA is looking for contractors to report on other illegal contractors. Then they will fine the violator and publicize the offense. How does that sound for an enforcement plan?

The Contractor Coaching Partnership has booked Kachina Contractor Solutions for the EPA Certified Renovator Training. The training will take place on 1.13.2010 at the National Safety Council in West Boylston, Mass.

The current buzz created by the pending EPA RRP Lead Rule is causing the formation of camps; those who are for it, those who are against it, and those resigned to the fact that they have no choice but compliance.                                                        

I received data this week that 73% of Massachusetts homes are affected by the new EPA RRP lead Rule which goes into effect 4.22.09. In many older communities the percentage of homes with lead is even higher.

Last week we put up a new page on The Contractor Coaching Partnership web site regarding the EPA RRP Lead Rule for contractors, remodelers, trades and readers of our site.

Last night, while out with the family, my blackberry was humming like a bees nest with responses to the EPA lead post on the NARI LinkedIn Group. My wife told me shut the darn thing off! Next time I'll leave it in the truck.