Bill > HR4694

This bill requires all new washing machines sold in the United States to include a microfiber filtration system starting January 1, 2030, in order to reduce microfiber pollution. The filtration system must have a mesh size of 100 micrometers or less, or meet an alternative standard of equal or greater effectiveness in capturing microfibers, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator and the Secretary of Energy. Washing machines must also bear a conspicuous label instructing consumers to check and dispose of captured lint properly. The bill defines a microfiber as a synthetic or natural textile fiber less than 5 millimeters long and establishes civil penalties for non-compliance, with first-time violations incurring fines up to $10,000 and subsequent violations up to $30,000. Additionally, the bill mandates a nationwide EPA study to investigate the presence, sources, and potential health and environmental impacts of microfibers, with a report to be submitted to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment. The study will specifically examine microfibers' toxic effects and potential inequitable impacts on environmental justice communities.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4694/all-info