EPA’s School Environment Health Program Supported by Congress
There has been little to celebrate on the federal advocacy front in recent months—but today we’re pleased to share an important success.
Last Friday, without fanfare, the president signed a bill providing funding for EPA for FY 2026. The final legislation is a strong rebuttal to his original proposal: a 50 percent cut to EPA’s budget. The final bill reduces EPA’s funding by only 4 percent.
Why the EPA Budget is Good News for School Environmental Health
Sustained overall funding for EPA is good news, but there’s more. As we reported in our December 11, 2025, NewsSlice, EPA senior officials expressed optimism that children and schools programs at EPA would remain sturdy. Now it appears likely that funding will be level or greater to support these programs in FY 2026.
As background, over the summer Healthy Schools Network rallied support for including strong report language accompanying the Senate bill that explicitly directs EPA to support healthy school environments, including the IAQ Tools for Schools program. While not legally binding, report language explains how Congress expects agencies to use appropriated funds. Getting report language in the Senate was just the first step, however. The final bill and report needed House approval as well.
We can now report an unqualified success! The House issued a joint explanatory statement accompanying the final bill that explicitly affirms that both the House and Senate Appropriations Committee reports remain in effect, unless otherwise specified. What this means: the Senate’s direction remains intact, encouraging EPA to continue and strengthen indoor air quality efforts—including support for Tools for Schools, technical assistance, and science-based resources for healthy learning environments.
Healthy Schools Network is already reaching out to EPA to recommend priorities for the use of FY 2026 funds.
As the coordinator for the Coalition for Healthier Schools, we thank our partners who stepped up to support school environmental health funding—especially those who signed letters to the Senate and House on the importance of prioritizing technical assistance to schools in EPA’s budget.
Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Grants Approved by Congress
EPA’s final FY 2026 bill also includes $8.5 million in competitive grants for wildfire smoke preparedness. Eligible recipients include states, Tribes, public preschools, local educational agencies, and nonprofits. Funds may be used for activities related to assessing, preventing, controlling, or abating wildfire smoke hazards in community buildings, including schools. Review EPA’s information page on eligibility and how to apply by April 15, 2026.
While modest in scale, these grants reflect growing Congressional recognition of indoor air quality challenges facing schools—particularly as wildfire smoke increasingly affects communities across the country.
Healthy Schools Network will continue to monitor EPA’s implementation of the FY 2026 bill and keep our supporters informed as this guidance translates into action.
Healthy Schools Network Supports Pesticide Restrictions Near Schools in West Virginia
Healthy Schools Network recently sent a letter supporting legislation introduced in West Virginia to better protect children from pesticide exposure near schools. House Bill 4907, introduced by Delegate Adam Burkhammer, would restrict the use of certain high-risk pesticides in areas where children learn and play.
For decades, Healthy Schools Network has worked to reduce children’s exposure to toxic chemicals in school environments. We have long promoted integrated pest management (IPM) and other science-based approaches that reduce pesticide exposure for children.
Children are uniquely vulnerable to pesticide exposure, and growing scientific evidence links even low-level exposures to serious health risks, including neurological, respiratory, and developmental harm. Policies that limit pesticide use near schools are an important, preventive step to safeguard students’ health.
Healthy Schools Network applauds efforts by West Virginia lawmakers to address these risks and advance safer, healthier school environments. If you are interested in learning more about this legislation or would like suggestions for getting involved in supporting school pesticide protections in West Virginia, please contact us at info@healthyschools.org.
Federal Immigration Enforcement Activity Near Schools
Recent reporting has highlighted increasing activity by federal immigration authorities in and around school communities, particularly in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region of Minnesota. The Washington Post reported that the surge of federal immigration agents in the area has affected students and school routines.
According to the article, the presence of federal agents near school grounds has contributed to increased absences, anxiety among students and families, and changes in school operations, including school closures, with several districts offering remote learning options so families could choose whether to send children to in-person classes. New policy changes by the Trump administration have lifted restrictions on enforcement near “sensitive locations” such as schools, which means enforcement action could take place in public areas adjacent to your school. Several physicians groups issued a statement supporting Minnesota and other communities, advocating that health care institutions remain safe spaces for those seeking medical care.
Healthy Schools Network does not provide legal advice. However, we are aware that federal enforcement on school property has prompted school districts, parents, and communities to seek guidance on how to handle interactions with immigration authorities. We included some examples of state and district policies in our February 7, 2025, NewsSlice. Some additional resources include:
- Immigration Enforcement—Guidance for Schools (ACLU)
- Guidance on Immigration Issues (NEA)
- An Education Leader’s Checklist in Preparation of Potential Immigration Enforcement (AASA)
- Immigrant and Refugee Children: A Guide for Educators and School Support Staff (AFT)
- What to do if ICE Visits Your School: Sample Policies and Guidance from School Districts and States (Immigrant Connections)
Symposium: The Future We’re Building
Healthy Schools Network’s Executive Director, John Reeder, will participate in The Future We’re Building Symposium, to be held Thursday, February 19, 8:30 am – 2 pm, in Washington, DC. The event, hosted by American University and Children’s Environmental Health Network, will bring together national leaders, students, advocates, and experts in children’s environmental health to reflect on the last decade of progress and envision the path ahead. It will blend science, storytelling, and strategy, highlighting real-world examples of communities “getting it right” while addressing emerging challenges—from AI data centers and plastics production to environmental justice and climate impacts.
