HR 4694
Fighting Fibers Act of 2025
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Bill overview
The Fighting Fibers Act of 2025 aims to reduce microfiber pollution from washing machines by requiring all new machines sold in the United States to include a microfiber filtration system. Starting January 1, 2030, washing machines must have a filter that captures microfibers, be clearly labeled to inform consumers, and undergo a nationwide study on microfiber presence and potential health and environmental impacts. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy will oversee the implementation and regulation of this act.
Key provisions
- Requires all new washing machines sold in the US to include a microfiber filtration system.
- Sets a mesh size requirement for the filtration system (not greater than 100 micrometers, or equivalent efficacy).
- Mandates a conspicuous label on washing machines to inform consumers about the filter.
- Directs the EPA and Department of Energy to develop regulations for microfiber filtration.
- Establishes civil penalties for violating the requirements of the act.
- Requires a nationwide study on microfiber presence, sources, and impacts.
- The study will assess potential toxic effects on human health and the environment, and inequitable impacts on environmental justice communities.
- The study’s results will be reported to Congress and made publicly available.
Who is affected
- Washing machine manufacturers
- Retailers selling washing machines
- Consumers purchasing washing machines
- Environmental Protection Agency
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] Norton
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 4694
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To require that all new washing machines sold or offered for sale in the United States contain a microfiber filtration system, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Fighting Fibers Act of 2025
.
In this Act, the term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
In this section:
The term microfiber filtration system means a filtration unit for a washing machine that is—
integrated into the washing machine design as a built-in filter; or
The term washing machine includes residential and commercial washing machines.
The Administrator, jointly with the Secretary of Energy, shall ensure that, beginning on January 1, 2030, no new washing machine is sold or offered for sale in the United States unless the washing machine meets the following requirements:
Contains a microfiber filtration system—
Bears a conspicuous label that is visible to the consumer, in the form of a sticker or any other label type, that includes—
Notice: This washing machine contains a filter to capture microfibers. Check filter regularly and dispose of captured lint in a waste bin.; or
Such other requirements or standards as the Administrator, jointly with the Secretary of Energy, may require through a rulemaking under subsection (c).
Any person that violates the requirements of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty by the Administrator of—
in the case of a first violation, not more than $10,000; and
in the case of each subsequent violation, $30,000.
The remedies provided in this section are in addition to any other remedy available under any other law.
Nothing in this section impairs or impedes any other right, cause of action, claim, or defense available under any other law.
In this section, the term microfiber means a synthetic or natural textile fiber that is less than 5 millimeters in length.
The Administrator, in consultation with the heads of other Federal departments and agencies as the Administrator determines to be necessary, shall carry out a nationwide study on—
the presence of, sources of, and pathways used by microfibers in the human body and the environment;
whether the presence of microfibers in the human body and the environment has a toxic effect on human health and the environment; and
whether the presence of microfibers in the human body and the environment has an inequitable impact on environmental justice communities, as determined by the Administrator.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress, and make publicly available, a report that describes the results of the study under paragraph (1).