EPA Postpones Proposed Expansion of the Safer Choice and Design for the Environment Programs

As reported in our July 27, 2023, memorandum, in July 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed an expansion of the Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE) programs to include certification of additional product categories. According to EPA’s website, “EPA thanks the many commenters for their input. EPA reviewed the comments and understands several categories are of interest to stakeholders and Safer Choice partners. With the 2024 decrease in EPA’s funding, however, EPA is not able to pursue expansion at this time. EPA plans to reconsider the expansion in the future as resources allow.” On June 28, 2024, a summary of comments received on EPA’s proposed expansion was posted in the online docket. The Safer Choice program will continue to certify products and is working to ensure current partners and stakeholders do not experience delays in customer service. The program will work to issue final updates to the Safer Choice Standard. More information on the proposed updates to the standard is available in our December 5, 2023, memorandum.