News
ISSA Advocacy Recap—U.S. Representatives Murphy, LaHood Introduce Cleaning Tax Credit
February 12, 2021Welcome to the ISSA Advocacy Recap, our regular roundup of the latest public policy issues impacting the cleaning industry. This week’s recap touches on the introduction of a cleaning tax credit in the U.S. House of Representatives, ISSA requesting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restore the Safer Choice Program, proposed limitations on the use of California’s Prop 65 short-form warning, and more.
Cleaning Tax Credit Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives
ISSA thanks U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy (FL-7-D) and Representative Darin LaHood (IL-18-R) for introducing the bipartisan Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act (H.R. 883) in the U.S. House of Representatives. This important legislation would provide a tax credit for businesses to help ensure they are properly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and other infections, as well as to safely reopen our economy.
ISSA, Coalition Request EPA to Restore Safer Choice Program
ISSA joined a coalition of nearly 60 manufacturers and organizations asking the EPA to restore the Safer Choice Program. A letter was sent February 5 to EPA Acting Administrator Jane Nishida, voicing “strong support” for the program “as well as our concern for its long-term viability.” The Safer Choice Program allows companies to get an agency-approved label if their products are proven to meet stringent health and environmental safety criteria. That label is used by consumers and also by those who guide purchases made for schools and other institutions.
California Proposes Limitations on Use of Prop 65 Short-Form Warning
ISSA members that sell products in California will be significantly impacted by a recent proposal issued by the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment that would implement substantial changes to the state’s Proposition 65’s “short-form” warning option. If adopted, the changes will have a substantial adverse impact on the many businesses that use the popular Proposition 65 short-form warning, resulting in significant costs related to the label changes contemplated in the proposal.
OSHA Issues Proposed Rule to Update Hazard Communication Standard
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a proposed rule to update the agency’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the seventh revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, Cleaning & Maintenance Management reported. OSHA expects the HCS update will increase worker protections and reduce the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries by further improving the information on the labels and Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals. According to OSHA, proposed modifications also will “address issues since implementation of the 2012 standard and improve alignment with other federal agencies and Canada.”
EPA Registers Copper Surfaces for Residual Use against Coronavirus
The EPA announced certain copper alloys provide long-term effectiveness against viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. As a result of EPA’s approval, products containing these copper alloys can now be sold and distributed with claims they kill certain viruses that make contact with them. This is the first product with residual claims against viruses to be registered for use nationwide.
Other links of interest
- CBO: The Budgetary Effects of the Raise the Wage Act of 2021
- California DPR Webinar on Proposed Registration Fee Increase, March 17
- Montana Governor Signs Liability Shield
- Georgia House Votes to Extend COVID-19 Liability Protections
- Alabama Lawmakers Fast-Track COVID-19 Liability Protection
- Register Today for ISSA’s Clean Advocacy Summit