The Bush Administration has announced that it will proceed with a rule, issued during the last days of Clinton Administration, that will expand significantly the information available to the public about lead emissions in their towns and communities. The new rule requires more companies to report on the lead they use and release into the air, water or land. Previously the rule required facilities report lead and lead compound emissions if they manufactured or processed more than 25,000 pounds annually or used more than 10,000 pounds annually. Under the new rule, the reporting threshold will be lowered to 100 pounds annually for each facility.
Lead poisoning can cause learning problems, brain damage and hyperactivity in our children.
Despite the significant progress we have made in reducing lead levels in children's blood, the President believes we can do more. The new requirements to report lead and lead compound emissions will begin in 2001. The reports on those emissions will be submitted in 2002. Recognizing industry concerns regarding the burden of this new TRI reporting and the uncertainty as to when reporting would begin, EPA plans to assist companies in their compliance efforts between now and July 2002 when the first reports are due. All Rights Reserved.