PRIA Logo™
119-s-2435119th CongressWALLET

Fighting Fibers Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Introduced

Summary

Requires microfiber filters in new washing machines. The bill would bar sales of new washing machines after January 1, 2030 unless they include an active microfiber filtration system, a conspicuous consumer label, and meet standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

Show full summary
  • Families and consumers would get machines that capture microfibers and a visible label telling users to check and empty the filter. The label must say "Notice: This washing machine contains a filter to capture microfibers. Check filter regularly and dispose of captured lint in a waste bin."
  • Manufacturers and retailers would have to supply machines with either built-in filters or in-line filters packaged and installed with the machine and with a mesh size no greater than 100 micrometers or an EPA/DOE-approved equivalent. Violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 for a first offense and $30,000 for subsequent offenses.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency would lead a nationwide study on microfiber presence, pathways, potential toxicity, and whether impacts fall disproportionately on environmental justice communities. The EPA must publish the study results and send a report to Congress within one year of enactment.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Nationwide microfiber study and report

If enacted, the bill would require the EPA to conduct a nationwide study on microfibers. The study would look at where microfibers are in the body and environment, whether they are toxic, and if they hit environmental-justice communities harder. The EPA must report the study results to Congress and publish them within one year of enactment.

New microfiber filters on washers

If enacted, the bill would ban sale of new washing machines in the U.S. after January 1, 2030 unless they have a microfiber filter. The filter must work in all washing cycles and be built-in or sold and installed with the machine. The filter must have mesh no greater than 100 micrometers or meet an equal-or-better performance standard set by EPA and DOE. Covered machines must show a clear consumer label telling users to check the filter and throw captured lint in the trash. The EPA could adopt more standards by rule. The bill would allow civil penalties for violations: up to $10,000 for a first violation and $30,000 for later violations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

OR • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 9/22/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation