Rep. Shri Thanedar Submits the Environmental Health Workforce Act

Washington, D.C. – October 6, 2023 – Today, Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), ranking member on the Subcommittee of Transportation and Maritime Security, House Committee on Homeland Security, is proud to unveil the Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2023 to address the decline of vital environmental health professionals crucial to public safety. Since 2008, the U.S. has seen a 22% drop in these roles, and with the upcoming retirement of the Baby Boomer Generation, this strain is projected to deepen.

Highlights of the Act:

• Establish model standards for environmental health worker credentialing.
• Develop a tailored workforce development plan for environmental health needs.
• Initiate a report on best practices for training and credentialing.
• Extend Public Service Loan Forgiveness to eligible environmental health workers.
• With crises like Flint's lead-contaminated pipelines and the COVID-19 pandemic emphasizing the need, this legislation aims to reverse the declining trend of these professionals by enhancing training and offering financial support.

"Our environmental health professionals are frontline defenders of community health” said Rep. Shri Thanedar. “This act is a step towards ensuring they're equipped and acknowledged."

###

•   Print
•   Email
•   Share
•   Tweet