News

Coronavirus Government Response Update—EPA Addresses Supply Chain Issues

Welcome to the Coronavirus Government Response Update. This information is intended to keep ISSA members up to date on fast-moving government affairs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other public policy issues important to the cleaning industry. Today’s update touches on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) addressing supply chain issues, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act) recognizing the cleaning industry, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness guidance, and more.

EPA Addresses Supply Chain Issues for Food-Contact Surface Sanitizer Products
The EPA issued its third temporary modification to Pesticide Registration Notice 98-10 to include food-contact surface sanitizer products containing the active ingredient isopropyl alcohol. This new time-limited amendment to PRN 98-10 extends some of the supply chain flexibilities in the April modification to products used in the food manufacture and preparation industries. Specifically, this temporary amendment expands these flexibilities to manufacturers of food-contact surface sanitizer products containing isopropyl alcohol.

HEROES Act Recognizes Importance of Cleaning Industry 
ISSA appreciates the important cleaning provisions included as part of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act) that the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed. The sweeping, US$3 trillion COVID-19 stimulus legislation would provide hazard pay for essential workers, additional cleaning and disinfecting of postal facilities, funds for state block grants for childcare to be used for the cleaning and disinfection of those facilities, among other features.

PPP Loan Forgiveness Guidance and Application
The U.S. Treasury Department and Small Business Administration (SBA) released guidance on loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), along with a loan forgiveness application. According to the Treasury and SBA, companies can seek loan forgiveness at the conclusion of the eight-week covered period, which begins with the disbursement of their loans. Additional regulations and guidance is also expected shortly from the SBA.

Sanitizer Confusion Gives U.S. Ethanol New Governmental Target
U.S. ethanol makers have in the past targeted much of their ire at the EPA. Now, another U.S. agency is in the beleaguered sector’s cross hairs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is giving conflicting guidance on how to produce and package hand sanitizer, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. That’s key at a time when ethanol makers have shifted from producing alcohol for fuel to making it for hand sanitizer.

Other links of interest

• Register for ISSA’s Webinar – Legislative Update: COVID-19 and the Cleaning Industry
• Take Action Now–Urge Your Elected Officials to Support the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit
• ISSA Coronavirus Government Response FAQ
• U.S. Department of Labor: COVID-19 and the American Workplace
• SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus