Frequent Questions About Lead-Based Paint Program Fees

Overview & Where to Get Information

Where can I get more information on the Fee Rule for the Lead-Based Paint Activities (abatement, inspection and risk assessment) and Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Programs?

You can find fee rule information at Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rules. You can also contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD(5323).

Question Number: 23002-33298

What is EPA's rule to: (1) lower fees for the Lead-Based Paint Activities Programs (for abatement, i.e., total removal) and (2) set fees for the 2008 RRP Program?

In March 2009, EPA issued a rule to address fees for its lead-based paint programs. The rule addresses two areas: first, it modifies and lowers the existing fees for EPA's Lead-based Paint Activities regulations that govern lead abatement, inspection and risk assessment activities; second, it establishes fees to cover costs of administering the RRP Rule.

Question Number: 23002-33296

Who Is Covered & Where It Applies

Is anyone exempt from paying fees under the Lead-Based Paint Activities (abatement, inspection and risk assessment) and RRP Programs?

Yes. TSCA section 402(a)(3) exempts state, local government and non-profit training programs from federal accreditation fees. However, it does not provide an exemption for the certification fees of firms or individuals.

Question Number: 23002-33302

Who is affected by the Fee Rule for Lead-Based Paint Activities (abatement, inspection and risk assessment) and RRP Programs?

The Fee Rule for the Lead-based Paint Activities and RRP Programs establishes fees that will be charged for training programs seeking accreditation, for firms engaged in renovations seeking certification and for individuals (for example, risk assessors) or firms engaged in lead-based paint activities that govern lead abatement, inspection and risk assessment activities.

Question Number: 23002-33306

Does the Fee Rule for the Lead-Based Paint Activities and RRP Programs apply nationwide?

The rule applies only in those states, territories and Tribes without their own authorized lead programs. Currently, EPA implements the Lead-based Paint Activities Program in 11 states and the RRP Program in 35 states.

Question Number: 23002-33305

Changes in Fees

Why did some of the fees for lead-based paint activities drop significantly while others changed only slightly?

The fees in the rule reflect the cost to the Agency of accreditations and certifications. EPA developed the original fees before it had experience administering a lead-based paint accreditation and certification program. That is no longer the case. EPA used almost a decade of information to develop the revised fees.

Question Number: 23002-33299

Why have the fees for the Lead-Based Paint Activities program decreased since they were first implemented in 1999?

Since 1999, EPA has made substantial changes in the way it administers its accreditation and certification program. The transition to the automated Federal Lead-based Paint Program (FLPP) database and the associated centralized data processing has resulted in lower overall costs of the Lead-based Paint Activities program.

Question Number: 23002-33300

Why Fees Exist & What They Cover

Why does EPA charge fees for accreditations and certifications?

As specified in the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA must establish and implement a fee schedule to recover to the U.S. Treasury the Agency's costs of administering and enforcing the standards and requirements applicable to lead-based paint training programs and contractors.

Question Number: 23002-33304

What costs does EPA incur that must be recovered by the fees under the Fee Rule for the Lead-based Paint Activities and RRP Programs?

The fees recover EPA's costs for processing applications, enforcing program requirements, and administrative activities such as maintenance of the central database and administering certification examinations.

Question Number: 23002-33303