Radon-Reporter-2026-Issue-1FINAL

16 | APRIL 2026 With the able assistance of lobbying firm ML Strategies, on February 24, IEA board members and staff descended on the US House and Senate in Washington DC to engage legislative offices on the critical need for Congressional action on radon risk reduction. Entry to Hill office buildings usually involves X-ray screening of bags and a quick walk through a metal detector. The fly-in day got off to a surprisingly slow start because Capitol Police security implemented extensive visitor screening, including wanding, in preparation for the Capitol complex’s hosting of the State of the Union later the same day. Although some were late for first appointments after spending as much as an hour in line outside (in chilly weather), the team managed to cover all 23 appointments. Staff in the overwhelming majority of offices visited were extremely welcoming and attentive, asked good questions, and promised to forward the information provided, which included the state’s Radon Report Card, maps with radon test data prevalence, and handouts about the requests being made. IEA Government Affairs communications with the offices visited will continue through the summer as the appropriations process unfolds. Capitol Hill Fly-In Team (the day after). L. to r: Duane West (OR), Jane Malone (MD), George Schambach (NY), Dawn Oggier (FL), Kyle Hoylman (KY), Annie-Laurie Hunter (NY), Dan Potter (IL), Diane Swecker (VA), Bob Coffee (IN), Myca Bruno (NC). The focus of many meetings and follow-up activities was on key EPA programs , which serve as the federal government’s primary line of defense against exposure to radon in fulfillment of the Indoor Radon Abatement Act in 1988. The law required EPA to provide leadership on grants to states, proficiency, training, technical assistance, protocols/standards, and science. EPA’s Indoor Air: Radon Program is a critical force in equipping the radon industry and public health programs with the technical and information tools they need to reduce radon exposure in homes, schools, and other buildings . It has playeda key role inestablishinga standardof quality for radon service providers, including development and maintenance of a provider credentialing program, a one-time evaluation of two certification bodies, and most recently proposed a new framework to oversee radon credentialing systems. In addition to providing an associated national radon reference, the program supported development and maintenance of standards of practice for radon measurement and mitigation to ensure that all concerned with radon risk reduction are working according to proven evidence-based practices and policies. The program also provides nationwide outreach resources and federal leadership on radon, supports the National Radon Action Plan, and provides technical and research support to state and tribal radon programs as well as industry. The final FY26 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill fully funded the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, where funding for the Radon Program has traditionally been included. A separate line item is needed to express the need to sustain EPA work focused on radon, and language needed to encourage continued progress with standards and credentialing work. EPA’s State and Tribes Indoor Radon Grants enable state health departments, tribes, and others to implement radon programs best suited to their respective communities. These programs’ radon risk reduction efforts are significant. State and Tribal grantees have accomplished widespread radon testing; adoption of radon- reducing strategies; testing in schools and childcare facilities; addressing radon in during residential real estate transactions; adoption of radon goals in cancer control plans; education and outreach to the medical community; and broader outreach and technical support. Many programs provide free or low- cost test kits for citizens who cannot afford to test. Forty-five State radon programs and up to twelve tribal programs rely on SIRG to support their various approaches to radon awareness and citizen education. Because there is a need for greater consistency, effectiveness, and accountability for radon services within and across states, IEA is seeking to continue current funding for current grantee activities and to increase the total amount of SIRG funds to support improving current regulation of services in 20 states and 2026 Annual Capitol Hill Fly-In POLICY