To prioritize educating and training for existing and new environmental health professionals.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · July 30, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2026 addresses a significant shortage in the nation's environmental health workforce by establishing standards, training, and support programs. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop model credentialing standards for environmental health workers within one year and create a comprehensive workforce development plan within two years, while also directing a study of best practices in six states. The legislation expands Public Service Loan Forgiveness to include accredited environmental health workers, making it easier for professionals in this field to manage education debt. The bill affects state, local, tribal, and federal public health agencies that employ environmental health workers who investigate environmental hazards and develop public health policies. This action comes in response to documented workforce losses exceeding 50,600 jobs since 2008 and widespread reports of insufficient staffing capacity and worker burnout across environmental health programs.
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