U.S. Sen. Susan Collins says small contractors will have more time to comply with new Environmental Protection Agency rules for work done on buildings that have lead paint.

The rule, which went into effect on April 22, requires contractors who perform work in homes built before 1978 to be EPA certified or face thousands of dollars in fines.

But Collins, a Republican, said there are not enough certified trainers in most states to train contractors about the new rules.

Collins said Friday that the EPA had extended the deadline to enroll in training to Sept. 30 and to complete training to Dec. 30.