H.R. 2339: Children’s Health Protection Act of 2025

The Children’s Health Protection Act of 2025 aims to enhance the oversight and protection of children’s health within the framework of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill includes several key provisions:

Establishment of Office of Children’s Health Protection

The bill mandates that the Office of Children’s Health Protection must be maintained within the EPA. The office will be led by a Director who is appointed by the EPA Administrator, taking into account recommendations from an advisory committee. This office will also co-chair the President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children.

Duties of the Office

The Director of the Office will have several responsibilities:

• Identify and assess environmental and safety risks that disproportionately affect infants, children, and adolescents.
• Ensure federal policies address these risks, including environmental justice concerns.
• Coordinate research and programs across federal agencies to mitigate these risks.
• Advise other EPA offices and federal agencies on matters related to children’s environmental health.
• Conduct activities aimed at reducing environmental impacts on children, including involvement in rulemaking, research, and policy development.
• Promote safe chemical management and increase health literacy among healthcare providers regarding environmental health.
• Collaborate with local educational agencies to support school environmental health programs.

Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee

The bill requires the maintenance of a Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee to provide advice and recommendations related to children’s health programs and activities. This committee will offer insights on regulations, research, and communications focusing on the health of infants, children, and adolescents. The committee is designated as a permanent body and will be subject to federal advisory committee regulations.

Funding Provisions

The legislation authorizes specific funding to support its initiatives. For the fiscal year 2026, it allocates approximately $7.8 million for the Office's activities, and an additional $13.2 million for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 for broader implementation of the bill’s objectives.

Transition and Implementation

The EPA Administrator is required to transition the existing Office of Children’s Health Protection to meet the requirements set forth in this new legislation. This includes adapting the current operations and possibly integrating existing initiatives to align with the goals of the new law.

Definitions

The bill provides specific definitions for terms used within, including the Office of Children’s Health Protection, the Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee, and other relevant entities as defined in federal law.

Relevant Companies

• DOW - Dow Inc. may be impacted due to regulations on chemicals and environmental safety standards that often affect manufacturing processes and product formulations.
• SHW - Sherwin-Williams could face changes in regulations concerning the safety of chemicals used in paints and coatings, particularly those affecting children's environments.
• HBHC - H.B. Fuller, a company engaged in adhesives, may be influenced by the promotion of safe chemical management practices under this legislation.