The nation’s homebuilders are praising a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to delay enforcement of a new lead rule, saying it will give remodelers more time to get properly trained.

 "EPA listened to our concerns and did the right thing," said National Association of Home Builders Chairman Bob Jones, a builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. 

In revised guidance released last Friday, EPA acknowledged that remodelers in many parts of the country have been unable to obtain the required training to comply with the rule, which was announced two years ago. Contractors were supposed to have received certification by April 22.

The issue came to a head in May after floods devastated parts of Tennessee and there weren’t enough certified remodelers to complete much-needed home repairs, according to NAHB. NAHB and its state homebuilders associations proposed a delay in enforcing the rule — a decision EPA consented to in its letter on Friday.

While remodelers, electricians, heating and air conditioning technicians and other contractors must adhere to lead-safe work practices, including special equipment filters and a ban on open flames, EPA will not take enforcement action against firms that have been unable to obtain certification until Oct. 1 of this year.

Individual contractors must apply to enroll in a training class by Sept. 30 and complete the training by Dec. 31.