S. 4664: Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026

The Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 (S. 4664) aims to reauthorize and strengthen the Safer Choice Program, which is designed to promote the development and use of safer chemical products. The bill outlines the following main components:

Establishment of the Safer Choice Program

The bill establishes a voluntary Safer Choice Program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This program is meant to identify and endorse products that meet established safety standards for chemical ingredients. The purpose of the program is to enhance pollution prevention by encouraging the design and use of products made with safer chemical ingredients that still perform effectively.

Program Administration

The EPA Administrator will be responsible for the program's administration, which involves:

• Establishing procedures for product certification.
• Making determinations on whether products meet the safety standards.
• Guiding the use and marketing of the Safer Choice label.
• Providing technical assistance to manufacturers seeking certification.
• Engaging with stakeholders to support ongoing improvements to the program.
• Conducting public outreach on the benefits of certified products.

Certification Criteria

The EPA must use a science-based approach to evaluate products against the Safer Choice Standard, considering:

• Human health hazards (e.g., carcinogenicity, toxicity).
• Environmental hazards (e.g., persistence, toxicity).
• Product performance and efficacy.
• Sustainability in packaging and management at the end of the product's life.
• Transparency in ingredient disclosure.

Labeling

The bill allows manufacturers to use the Safer Choice label if their products are approved by the EPA. Unauthorized use of these labels will be prohibited, and the EPA will enforce compliance through various actions, such as notifying violators or suspending certifications.

Reporting and Transparency

The EPA will provide annual reports to Congress on the program's implementation, detailing the number of certified products, updates to standards and procedures, and engagement activities with stakeholders. Additionally, a publicly accessible database of certified products will be maintained.

Funding

The Act authorizes $6 million each year from 2028 through 2034 for the EPA to carry out the program.

Relevant Companies

• CLX - The Clorox Company: Likely to be impacted as they produce cleaning products that may seek Safer Choice certification.
• PG - Procter & Gamble Co.: A major consumer goods company with numerous products that could be eligible for the program.
• UNP - Unilever PLC: A global company producing cleaning and personal care products that may pursue certification under the Safer Choice Program.