EPA would assess products for voluntary safety labels

EPA would run a voluntary program to assess products against the Safer Choice or Design for the Environment standard. The program would cover products EPA finds meet the applicable standard, while using existing EPA activities where practicable. EPA may update either standard after public notice and a chance for people to comment. The Act would take effect on enactment.

EPA would require ingredient information and review as a condition of certifying a product. The requirement would apply to products seeking certification and must provide enough information to assess effects on human health and the environment. The information must cover intentionally added ingredients, ingredients within those ingredients, and relevant leftover substances above a threshold EPA sets. EPA must protect confidential business information and follow applicable law and agency requirements. EPA would require the information as a condition of certification.

EPA would oversee product reviews, report on the program each year, and keep a public list of products authorized to use either label. Reports would cover program activity, product approvals and removals, changes to standards and procedures, outreach, and recommendations. EPA would make certification decisions but could use qualified reviewers' analyses and recommendations. Reviewers must be independent of the product maker, have no financial conflict with it, and not be paid based on the review outcome. The first report would be due within one year after enactment, with reports each year after that.

Congress would be authorized to provide EPA $12 million for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2034 to carry out the Act. The authorization is for EPA to carry out the Act. The bill authorizes the money but does not itself provide it. The authorization covers fiscal years 2028 through 2034.