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EPA Seeks Input from Small Entities on Revisions for the Lead and Copper Rule

Release Date: 06/28/2011
Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn Milbourn.cathy@epa.gov 202-420-8648

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. The panel will focus on the agency’s development of a rule that proposes revisions to the lead and copper rule.

EPA’s reconsideration of the current rule is based on a national review of the implementation of the lead and copper rule. The review identified several areas of concern about the effectiveness of the existing regulations. The changes under consideration are intended to improve the effectiveness of the measures to safeguard public health to control lead and copper in drinking water.

The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires EPA to establish an SBAR Panel for rules that may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The panel will include federal representatives from the Small Business Administration, the Office of Management and Budget, and EPA. The panel asks a selected group of SERs to provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, community, or organization to inform the panel about the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities.

EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small entities that may be subject to the rule requirements. Other representatives, such as trade associations that exclusively or at least primarily represent potentially regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs.

Self-nominations may be submitted through the link below and must be received by July 12, 2011.

Submit online at: https://www.epa.gov/sbrefa/leadandcopper.htm

Information about the lead and copper rule: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/lcr/index.cfm