What does Preamble of Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled 'A bill to authorize the Safer Choice Program within the Environmental Protection Agency, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings related to the Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment and Safer Choice programs. These programs are described as voluntary, market-based initiatives providing information to consumers, businesses, and institutional purchasers. The programs are stated to support U.S. innovation by providing a framework for manufacturers to develop safer products. The programs have enabled companies to differentiate products and respond to consumer demand for safer options. The credibility of the labels relies on rigorous, science-based evaluations and transparent review processes. Qualified third-party profilers are considered important for efficient and consistent product evaluations. The EPA is recognized as having the expertise and infrastructure to administer the programs. Authorizing and strengthening the Safer Choice program aims to provide certainty and support U.S. competitiveness, consumer choice, and innovation.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. The term 'Administrator' refers to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The term 'Agency' refers to the Environmental Protection Agency. The 'Design for the Environment label' is authorized under section 7(b)(2). The 'Design for the Environment Standard' includes criteria, specifications, and methodologies, as in effect on the date of enactment and updated under section 4(d). The 'Program' refers to the Safer Choice Program established under section 4(a). A 'qualified third-party profiler' meets criteria established by the Administrator under section 5(b). The 'Safer Chemical Ingredients List' is maintained by the Agency. The 'Safer choice label' is authorized under section 7(b)(1). The 'Safer choice standard' includes criteria, specifications, and methodologies, as in effect on the date of enactment and updated under section 4(d).

What does ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SAFER CHOICE PROGRAM. of Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a voluntary Safer Choice Program within the Agency. The program aims to identify and promote products meeting the Safer Choice Standard or the Design for the Environment Standard. The purpose of the program is to encourage the design, manufacture, selection, and use of products with safer chemical ingredients. The Administrator is directed to carry out the program consistently with and leveraging existing Agency activities. The Administrator has the authority to revise the Safer Choice Standard and the Design for the Environment Standard, following public notice and comment.

What does PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION. of Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines the administration of the Program. The Administrator is responsible for establishing procedures for product submission and review, and making determinations regarding product certification. The Administrator must establish requirements and guidance for label use and marketing. Technical assistance will be provided to manufacturers and applicants. Stakeholder consultation is required for continuous improvement of criteria and methodologies. Public outreach and education regarding certified products is mandated. Annual public stakeholder meetings are required to discuss the Program's scope and improvements. The Administrator may recognize outstanding leadership through a Partner of the Year Awards program. Program procedures and guidance will be periodically reviewed and updated. The Administrator may utilize qualified third-party profilers to support technical evaluations, ensuring their independence and mitigating conflicts of interest. Interagency coordination with agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission is required to promote consistency and minimize duplication.

What does SAFER CHOICE CRITERIA. of Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes criteria for evaluating products under the Safer Choice and Design for the Environment Standards. The Administrator must use a science-based approach considering human health hazards, environmental hazards, product performance, packaging sustainability, and transparency. Eligible product categories under the Safer Choice Standard include those recognized by the EPA as of the Act's enactment, consumer/cleaning/institutional products, and additional categories determined appropriate by the Administrator. The Design for the Environment Standard may include antimicrobial pesticide products and other categories deemed appropriate by the Administrator. The Administrator is responsible for maintaining and updating the Safer Chemical Ingredients List. Certification under the Program requires submission and review of ingredient information, including intentionally added ingredients, contained ingredients, and relevant residuals. Requirements for ingredient submission are subject to protections for confidential business information and applicable law.

What does LABELING; UNAUTHORIZED USE. of Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 do?

Participation in the Program is voluntary. The Administrator can authorize individuals to use the Safer Choice or Design for the Environment labels for products meeting their respective standards. The Safer Choice and Design for the Environment labels are marks of the Agency. Individuals are prohibited from using the labels in a false, misleading, or unauthorized manner. The Administrator can address violations through notification, authorization termination/suspension, or referral to the Attorney General. Existing legal authorities and remedies are not limited by this section.

What does REPORTING AND TRANSPARENCY. of Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes reporting and transparency requirements for the Program. The Administrator must submit an annual report to Congress and make it publicly available. The annual report must describe the Program's implementation, including the number of certified products. The report must also summarize updates to standards and criteria, outreach activities, and recommendations for improvement. The Administrator is required to maintain a publicly accessible database of products authorized to use the Safer Choice or Design for the Environment label.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes appropriations to the Administrator. A total of $6,000,000 is authorized for each fiscal year from 2028 through 2034. The appropriations are intended to carry out this Act.

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Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/2/2026 · Introduced: 6/2/2026

Author: Christopher Coons (D-DE)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a voluntary Safer Choice Program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify and promote products with safer chemical ingredients.
The EPA Administrator is authorized to revise the Safer Choice and Design for the Environment Standards, ensuring they remain science-based and responsive to evolving knowledge.
Manufacturers seeking certification must submit ingredient information, with protections for confidential business information, to be evaluated against established criteria.
The bill prohibits the unauthorized or misleading use of the Safer Choice and Design for the Environment labels, allowing the EPA to address violations.
The Act authorizes $6,000,000 annually from 2028 through 2034 to support the implementation and administration of the Safer Choice Program.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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