• The EPA proposes adding 14 new ecolabels and standards to guide federal procurement in sustainability.
• Updates focus on expanding healthcare, laboratories, clothing, and food service ware categories.
• Public comments on the proposal are open for 30 days via Regulations.gov.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released proposed updates to its Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. These updates are aimed at helping federal government buyers identify more sustainable and climate-friendly products. The EPA’s Recommendations serve as a tool for buyers to utilize private sector ecolabels and standards that support environmentally preferable purchasing decisions.

This is the first time in nearly a decade that the EPA has comprehensively evaluated these standards. The proposed changes help identify products that conserve resources, contain safer chemicals, and minimize pollutants like PFAS and single-use plastics. By doing so, the federal government can save taxpayer dollars, reduce climate impacts, and prevent pollution.

“With hundreds of ecolabels in the marketplace, EPA’s Recommendations cut through the clutter and give federal purchasers and other sustainability-conscious consumers confidence when making purchasing decisions,” said Jennie Romer, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention in EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

Key Updates Include:

• New Product Categories: The EPA is proposing to add ecolabels for healthcare, laboratories, and clothing/uniforms.
• Expanded Food Service Ware Sub-category: The EPA plans to include three additional standards covering reusable, compostable, and recyclable products.
• Removal of Ecolabels: Seven standards and ecolabels may be removed for failing to meet new criteria, being discontinued, or no longer required by regulation.

The updated Recommendations will provide federal purchasers with clearer guidance, especially in product categories like food service ware, where the expansion of available standards will promote a broader range of environmentally friendly options. Federal procurement, which accounted for more than $700 billion in spending last year, is seen as a critical driver in advancing sustainability.

Related Article: EPA Issues First Three Draft Carbon Sequestration Permits To Oxy Low Carbon Ventures For DAC Project

The EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed updates for 30 days. Buyers, manufacturers, and stakeholders can submit feedback via Regulations.gov, which will inform the final updates.

By making it easier for federal agencies to procure sustainable products, the EPA is playing a pivotal role in promoting greener supply chains and advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s sustainability goals.