Written on: June 5, 2026 by SprayTM
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) has called upon Congress to officially authorize the Safer Choice program, legislation for which was recently introduced by Senators Christopher Coons (D-DE) and Jon Husted (R-OH). The bill codifies Safer Choice as it currently exists at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ensures the program’s success will continue.
ACI remains a strong supporter of the Safer Choice program and is calling on Congress to pass the bill. In 2025, advocates from the cleaning products industry called on Congress to maintain the Safer Choice program’s home at the Agency during ACI’s 2025 Congressional Fly-In.
“ACI commends Senators Coons and Husted for their leadership in introducing the Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026,” said Jennifer Abril, ACI’s President & CEO.
“The Safer Choice program is a leading example of how a Government-led, voluntary program can leverage private sector expertise to support safer product innovations and deliver meaningful benefits to consumers and the marketplace. ACI and the cleaning products industry strongly support authorizing and strengthening this successful program within EPA.”
ACI joined other stakeholders in signing a letter supporting authorization of the Safer Choice Program.
Safer Choice is a voluntary, science-based program led by the EPA that provides a trusted benchmark for safer ingredient claims for manufacturers and consumers, highlighting safer, more sustainable product options for U.S. consumers.
HCPA StatementFurther, The Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) applauded Coons and Husted for introducing the Safer Choice Program Authorization Act (SCPAA), which would formally authorize the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice program, providing support for one of the nation’s most successful voluntary certification and labeling initiatives.
“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.”
HCPA has worked closely with lawmakers and industry stakeholders to advance legislation that would provide the program with a durable statutory foundation and sustainable funding. The introduction of the SCPAA marks a significant milestone in those efforts.
This legislation would establish Safer Choice in statute, direct the EPA to maintain and periodically update program standards through a transparent science-based process, preserve and strengthen the Safer Chemicals Ingredients List, and authorize dedicated funding to support its long-term success.
“HCPA has been a steadfast supporter of Safer Choice for many years because it demonstrates how government and industry can work together to advance innovation, transparency, and consumer confidence,” said Steve Caldeira, President & CEO, HCPA.
“Through our longstanding partnership with the EPA, we have seen firsthand the value that Safer Choice delivers to users. We commend Senators Coons and Husted for their leadership and look forward to working with Congress to ensure this successful, science-based program has the statutory foundation and sustainable funding needed to continue driving
progress for years to come.”
For more than two decades, Safer Choice has helped consumers, businesses, and institutional purchasers identify products formulated with safer chemical ingredients. Through its rigorous, science-based review process, the program has become a trusted tool for supporting the development of safer chemistries. Support for authorizing the program extends across the business, environmental, and public health communities. A joint sign-on letter organized by HCPA, 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 has garnered more than 100 signatures from diverse organizations. This broad coalition underscores the significant value that stakeholders place on maintaining a consistent federal framework that promotes sustainable product innovation, supports informed consumer choice, and strengthens confidence in safer chemistries.
“More than 100 businesses, trade associations, investors, healthcare purchasers, and public health organizations have signed on to a letter to Congress to authorize Safer Choice. ASBN is proud to stand with HCPA, the American Cleaning Institute, and the other organizations leading this effort,” said David Levine, Co-Founder and President at ASBN. “Authorizing the Safer Choice program protects a federally credible benchmark that businesses and consumers across the country depend on, and it gives U.S. manufacturers competing on safety and quality the respected standard that their consumers can trust. We’re grateful to Senator Coons and Senator Husted for their support.”
