Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2026
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 10007, the Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2026, addresses reported shortages in the state, local, and tribal environmental health workforce—professionals who investigate environmental hazards and develop and enforce related health guidelines. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, working with professional organizations and government agencies, to develop model standards and guidelines for credentialing environmental health workers within one year, and to provide these standards and technical assistance to state, local, and tribal governments. It also requires HHS to create a coordinated workforce development plan, including performance measures and identification of program gaps and needed statutory authority, to be submitted to Congress within two years. The Comptroller General is directed to study credentialing and training practices in six states—three with credentialing requirements and three without—and report findings to relevant congressional committees. Additionally, the bill amends the Higher Education Act to make full-time, credentialed environmental health workers eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
The bill primarily affects HHS, state and local health agencies, tribal governments, and environmental health workers and students who may become eligible for loan forgiveness.
The bill was introduced on July 30, 2026, by Rep. Shri Thanedar and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Education and Workforce. It has not yet been voted on; further committee action would be required before any vote by the full House.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 30, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10007 do?
- H.R. 10007, the Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2026, addresses reported shortages in the state, local, and tribal environmental health workforce—professionals who investigate environmental hazards and develop and enforce related health guidelines. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, working with professional organizations and government agencies, to develop model standards and guidelines for credentialing environmental health workers within one year, and to provide these standards and technical assistance to state, local, and tribal governments. It also requires HHS to create a coordinated workforce development plan, including performance measures and identification of program gaps and needed statutory authority, to be submitted to Congress within two years. The Comptroller General is directed to study credentialing and training practices in six states—three with credentialing requirements and three without—and report findings to relevant congressional committees. Additionally, the bill amends the Higher Education Act to make full-time, credentialed environmental health workers eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The bill primarily affects HHS, state and local health agencies, tribal governments, and environmental health workers and students who may become eligible for loan forgiveness. The bill was introduced on July 30, 2026, by Rep. Shri Thanedar and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Education and Workforce. It has not yet been voted on; further committee action would be required before any vote by the full House.
- Has H.R. 10007 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 2026, H.R. 10007 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10007?
- H.R. 10007 was sponsored by Rep. Shri Thanedar [D-MI13] (Democrat-MI), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10007?
- Introduced (30 Jul 2026).
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