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Keith - very nice article hitting the high points. One item you addressed, the ladder on the plastic, unfortunately remodelers have to choose from getting fined by the EPA or getting fined by OSHA on this one - if you comply with one, you are in non compliance of the other - very frustrating. As the VP of a manufacturer of replacement windows (www.gorell.com) - , we have had several people go through all the testing/certification. We have also done day long training seminars for many of our customers so they are in compliance. But the feeling among everyone in the construction industry(that I have talked to) is the opt out should definitely be put back into the LRRP law. There are two bills, one in the House and one in the Senate (both w/ wide bipartisan support) that are looking to delay the opt out for one year. It is the feeling of most homeowners (that I have talked to) that don't have the criteria you list in your article (pregnant women, children under six, child care facilities) along with the vast majority of the construction industry, that this opt out should stay in the LRRP law permanently. The EPA estimates that this new law will only cost a homeowner up to $170 when replacing windows specifically. Unfortunately, in the real world, a homeowner is looking at over $120 extra per window! Talk about getting taxed if you own a home built prior to 1978! It is also important to note, that when the criteria you list above does exist, I don't believe anyone in the industry has been against using lead safe practices. The Northeast Door and Window Association (up in your next of the woods) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) have both tried to work with the EPA on finding common ground. We all want to protect children and pregnant women - these organizations share the goal of the EPA - eliminate lead poisoning in children - but when these conditions don't exist, people should be allowed to make their own choice - not let the government make it for them. Hopefully the construction industry will be able to at least have the EPA engage in discussions regarding these opt out. Unfortunately up to this point, the EPA has been unresponsive or unwilling to discuss these issues.