The Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) has welcomed the introduction of new bipartisan legislation in the United States Senate that would formally authorise the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice programme.
The proposed Safer Choice Program Authorization Act (SCPAA), introduced by Senators Chris Coons of Delaware and Jon Husted of Ohio, aims to place the long-running voluntary certification and labelling initiative on a statutory footing while providing dedicated funding to support its future development.
The Safer Choice programme has operated for more than two decades, helping consumers, businesses and institutional purchasers identify products formulated with safer chemical ingredients. Through a science-based review process, the programme has become a recognised benchmark for products that meet stringent human health and environmental criteria.
According to the HCPA, the legislation represents a significant milestone in industry efforts to secure the programme’s long-term viability. The association has worked with lawmakers and stakeholders to advocate for formal authorisation, arguing that a statutory foundation would provide greater certainty for manufacturers investing in safer chemistry.
If enacted, the legislation would require the EPA to maintain and periodically update programme standards through a transparent, science-based process. It would also preserve and strengthen the Safer Chemical Ingredients List and establish dedicated funding to support the programme’s continued operation.
Senator Coons, Co-Chair of the Senate Chemistry Caucus, said the measure would help businesses continue investing in innovation while supporting environmental progress. He described the legislation as providing manufacturers with long-term certainty and helping to ensure continued US leadership in the development of safer chemical technologies.
Steve Caldeira, President and Chief Executive Officer of HCPA, said the association had supported the programme for many years because it demonstrates how government and industry can collaborate to advance innovation, transparency and consumer confidence.
“Through our longstanding partnership with the EPA, we have seen first-hand the value that Safer Choice delivers to users,” he said. “We commend Senators Coons and Husted for their leadership and look forward to working with Congress to ensure this successful, science-based programme has the statutory foundation and sustainable funding needed to continue driving progress for years to come.”
Support for the legislation extends beyond the cleaning and household products sector. A joint sign-on letter organised by HCPA and several partner organisations has attracted more than 100 signatures from businesses, trade associations, investors, healthcare purchasers and public health organisations.
The coalition includes the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN), the Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition, the American Cleaning Institute, Change Chemistry, the Consumer Brands Association, the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility and ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association.
David Levine, Co-Founder and President of ASBN, said authorising the programme would protect a trusted federal benchmark relied upon by businesses and consumers alike, while providing manufacturers with a recognised standard for product safety and quality.
The broad coalition backing the legislation highlights the value many stakeholders place on maintaining a consistent federal framework that supports sustainable product innovation, informed consumer choice and confidence in safer chemistries.
Bipartisan Bill seeks long-term future for EPA Safer Choice programme
