Congressman Shri Thanedar Introduces Environmental Health Workforce Act

August 03, 2026 Congressman Shri Thanedar Introduces Environmental Health Workforce Act Washington, D.C. — This week, Congressman Shri Thanedar introduced the Environmental Health Workforce Act, which would enforce thorough training protocols and expand student loan forgiveness for those in the environmental public health field, with the goal of boosting the workforce’s participation and capacity. “In the face of an increasing number of environmental disasters created by climate change, our environmental health workers will be on the frontline of addressing these public health crises,” said Congressman Thanedar. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce legislation that would better support their operations and ease the pathway into this career field, so that I can ensure that these organizations are properly trained and staffed when addressing these critical emergencies." This bill comes just two weeks after Detroit was reported to have the worst air quality in the world, according to IQAir. This bill would establish national model credentials for environmental public health workers, create a Department of Health and Human Services strategy to improve workforce shortages, and allow these workers to be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). The full text of the legislation can be viewed here . Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive. ### Print Email Share Tweet