DOJ Lodges Consent Decree in Toxic Substances Control Case
Published Date: 12/5/2025
Notice
Summary
Lowe's Home Centers got caught breaking important safety rules about handling toxic substances and agreed to fix their mistakes. They’ll improve how they follow the rules and pay a $12.5 million fine. The public has 30 days to share their thoughts on this deal before it’s final.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Lowe's must improve subcontractor compliance
Lowe's agreed in a proposed Second Consent Decree lodged November 25, 2025 to implement management systems that will improve Lowe's and its subcontractors' compliance with the EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (40 CFR part 745, subpart E). This requires Lowe's to change how it and its subcontractors manage compliance with those safety rules.
Lowe's to pay $12.5 million penalty
The proposed Second Consent Decree requires Lowe's to pay a $12,500,000 civil penalty to resolve violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act and EPA's RRP Rule. The decree also resolves Lowe's violations of a prior 2014 Consent Decree.
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