Fighting Fibers Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Levin
Introduced
Summary
Creates a national requirement that all new washing machines sold in the United States include a microfiber filtration system. It also requires consumer labeling, sets civil fines for noncompliance, and orders a federal study on microfibers.
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- Families and households: Shoppers can only buy new residential or commercial machines that include a built-in filter or an in-line filter packaged and installed with the machine starting January 1, 2030. Machines must carry a conspicuous label telling users to check the filter and dispose of captured lint.
- Manufacturers and retailers: Machines must use a filter with a mesh no greater than 100 micrometers or meet an equivalent performance standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of Energy through joint rulemaking. Violations carry civil fines up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $30,000 for subsequent offenses.
- Researchers, public health, and communities: The Environmental Protection Agency must run a nationwide study defining microfibers as textile fibers under 5 millimeters and report within one year on their presence, sources, pathways, health or environmental toxicity, and any disproportionate impacts on environmental justice communities.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Fines for washer makers and sellers
If enacted, EPA could fine makers, importers, or sellers that break these washer rules. A first violation could be up to $10,000. Each later violation could be $30,000. Penalties would be per violation and in addition to other legal remedies.
Keeps other legal rights and claims
If enacted, this section would not limit any other legal rights or defenses. People and businesses could still use other laws alongside these rules.
National study on microfiber health risks
If enacted, EPA would lead a national study on microfibers. EPA would consult other agencies as needed. The study would look at where microfibers come from and how they move in people and the environment. It would review possible health and environmental harms and impacts on environmental justice communities. EPA would report findings to Congress and the public within one year of enactment. The bill defines a microfiber as a textile fiber under 5 millimeters long.
New washers would need microfiber filters
If enacted, starting January 1, 2030, new washing machines sold in the U.S. would need a microfiber filter. The filter would work in all wash cycles and be built-in or installed in-line. It would have a mesh no larger than 100 micrometers. Agencies could set an equal or stronger standard. Machines would also carry a visible label telling you to check the filter and throw lint in the trash. This could raise upfront prices and add filter upkeep, while cutting microfiber pollution. The rule would cover residential and commercial machines.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Levin
CA • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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