Full FY26 funding for the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has been approved and signed into law ($14 million). The funding was included in H.R. 6938, the FY26 appropriations measure approved by Congress.

This preserves CSB’s unique role in the occupational EHS ecosystem: conducting independent investigations of serious chemical incidents and issuing recommendations aimed at preventing future harm. Unlike regulatory agencies, CSB does not issue citations or fines. Instead, it looks at root causes and shares lessons learned that can help employers strengthen prevention across high-hazard industries.

For safety professionals, that work matters.

CSB investigations can lead to practical changes in areas like process safety management, emergency planning, contractor oversight and hazard communication. The agency’s findings are also used by employers, regulators, standards developers and industry leaders who are working to reduce risk and prevent repeat incidents.

Stable funding ensures that this prevention-focused work continues.

A Coordinated Advocacy Effort

Over the past year, ASSP stayed engaged as questions emerged about CSB’s long-term funding outlook. The Society:

• Developed and shared member-facing advocacy resources to help safety professionals communicate with lawmakers about why CSB’s work matters.
• Met with CSB leadership to discuss ways ASSP could further support the agency’s mission.
• Shared advocacy tools across the Workplace EHS Coalition to encourage broader engagement.
• Supported coalition-led efforts urging Congress to maintain full funding for CSB and a strong occupational safety and health ecosystem.

This result reflects steady, coordinated engagement across the safety and health community.

Why It Matters to the Profession

Chemical incidents can have devastating consequences for workers, first responders and surrounding communities. CSB investigations often identify underlying system failures by examining not just what happened, but why it happened, which helps the profession strengthen prevention strategies across industries.

For ASSP members, CSB recommendations can be useful reference points for improving internal programs, informing standards-related work and reinforcing continuous improvement. As you review CSB findings and recommendations, consider how the lessons apply to your own operations, contractors and emergency planning.

This funding outcome also underscores the value of staying engaged on the federal programs and institutions that support prevention across the occupational EHS ecosystem.