Chinese Drywall

Efforts to expand health testing and limit builder liability related to Chinese drywall got torpedoed this legislative session, Broward County Mayor Stacy Ritter told a group of homeowners, building contractors, real estate agents and bankers Monday.

One proposal had called for $400,000 in funding to go to the state department of health for Chinese drywall-related testing, Ritter told the group. And an amendment sponsored by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, that proposed absolving certain homeowners, suppliers, contractors and installers of liability was withdrawn after being attached to at least three bills.

Ritter made her remarks at a lawyer-sponsored ”Toxic Drywall Roundtable” at the Heron Bay Marriott in Coral Springs.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency sent a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist last week outlining plans to investigate Chinese drywall, and assuring the governor that the EPA is taking the issue seriously.

”I share your concerns and can assure you that EPA is working with our federal and state partners to address the challenges posed by imported Chinese drywall,” EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson wrote.

The letter came in response to one sent last month by Crist asking for federal assistance.

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