ISSA Applauds Bipartisan Introduction of the Safer Choice Program Authorization Act

Today, ISSA, The Association for Cleaning & Facility Solutions, expressed strong support for the introduction of the bipartisan Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 (S. 4664), introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jon Husted (R-OH). The legislation would formally authorize the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safer Choice Program, which has operated for more than a decade as a voluntary, science-based certification program identifying cleaning and consumer products formulated with ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment.

The Safer Choice Program provides manufacturers, institutional purchasers, and consumers with reliable information to guide product selection, while helping companies differentiate their offerings in an increasingly sustainability-focused marketplace. The bill would codify the Program's structure, establish transparent procedures for product certification, authorize qualified third-party profilers to support technical evaluations, and require annual reporting to Congress on program performance.

"Delaware is a state of innovators. To continue that legacy, we need to give businesses and entrepreneurs every opportunity to deliver the best results for consumers and the environment," said Senator Coons, co-chair of the Senate Chemistry Caucus. "This legislation provides long-term certainty for manufacturers so they can invest in safer chemistry, and so Americans can continue to lead in innovation."

"Ohioans want to be able to trust that the products they are using in their homes are not only effective, but safe for their families. The EPA's Safer Choice Program helps Americans identify products that are both effective and made with ingredients that are safer for people and the environment. Our bipartisan bill would support and authorize this important program while expanding consumer choice in their everyday products. I'm proud to co-lead this effort to protect Americans' health and keep our environment clean," said Senator Husted.

The introduction of this bill is due in part to the advocacy efforts of the 140+ ISSA members who participated in the association's Clean Advocacy Summit fly-in event that took place in Washington, DC, March 23-24. Authorization of the Safer Choice Program was a top legislative priority for the more than 150 capitol hill meetings as part of the summit, where ISSA members made the case firsthand to congressional offices across both chambers. The introduction of this legislation is a testament to the power of industry voices coming together around a shared goal and a reminder that showing up matters.

For the cleaning and facility solutions industry, the stakes are significant. Cleaning professionals in schools, hospitals, office buildings, and public facilities rely on Safer Choice-certified products as a trusted benchmark for both performance and safety. Formal authorization would provide manufacturers with regulatory certainty, encouraging continued innovation in safer chemistry and investment in product development aligned with the program's rigorous standards.

"The EPA Safer Choice Program has spent decades being the stamp of approval for cleaning products that are both high-performing and safer for people and the environment. This bill gives manufacturers the certainty to invest, gives purchasers a trusted federal benchmark, and gives the American public confidence that the products used in cleaning their schools, hospitals, and workplaces meet a rigorous, science-based standard. ISSA strongly supports this legislation, thanks Senators Coons and Husted for their leadership on this issue, and urges Congress to act," said John Nothdurft, Vice President, Government and Public Affairs, ISSA, The Association for Cleaning & Facility Solutions.

The bill authorizes $6 million annually from fiscal years 2028 through 2034 to support program operations.

Take Action: ISSA strongly encourages industry members, cleaning professionals, and stakeholders to contact their congressional delegation today and urge swift passage of the Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026. Send a message directly to your U.S. Senators and Representative in ISSA's Voter Voice Action Center.

For questions regarding the Safer Choice Program Authorization Act and ISSA Advocacy, contact John Nothdurft, [email protected].