Weekly Advocacy Recap—EPA Expediting Emerging Viral Pathogens Claim Submissions

Welcome to the ISSA Advocacy Weekly Recap, our regular roundup of the latest public policy issues impacting the cleaning industry. This week’s recap touches on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expediting emerging viral pathogens claim submissions, a likely delay by the federal government for filing income tax returns, a list of approved disinfectants for combating coronavirus, and more.

EPA Expediting Emerging Viral Pathogens Claim Submissions
The EPA announced the agency is expediting the review of submissions from companies requesting to add emerging viral pathogens claims to their already-registered surface disinfectant labels due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the cause of COVID-19. “ISSA commends EPA for this decision,” said John Nothdurft, ISSA’s Director of Government Affairs. “Expedited review will provide consumers with greater access to disinfectants that are effective against the novel coronavirus without comprising safety and the quality of cleaning products.”

US Might Defer Tax Day, Trump Floats 0% Payroll Tax
The U.S. government is likely to push back the deadline for filing income tax returns as part of its fiscal stimulus plan to combat the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. There has yet to be a final decision on the move, nor have the logistics been finalized of how the plan would work. U.S. Treasury Department officials are undecided about how long the deadline would be extended beyond April 15, or who would be eligible, according to the report.

EPA Shares List of Disinfectants for Combating Coronavirus
The EPA is arming consumers with a list of disinfectants that people can use to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus. The federal agency released a five-page list of chemicals and products that the agency says are strong enough to ward off “harder-to-kill” viruses than SARS-CoV-2, the virus that’s responsible for the disease. “Using the correct disinfectant is an important part of preventing and reducing the spread of illnesses along with other critical aspects such as hand washing,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a statement.

Other links of interest:

• Pressure Builds on White House to Roll Back Tariffs to Stem Economic Fallout from Coronavirus
• Coronavirus Has Revived the Paid Sick Leave Debate
• Several States Oppose NEPA Changes
• China Trade Slumps as Anti-Virus Controls Close Factories
• Register for ISSA’s Webinar – How U.S. Governments Are Responding to COVID-19