Last progress July 24, 2025 (4 months ago)
Introduced on July 24, 2025 by Jeff Merkley
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
This bill would require every new washing machine sold in the U.S. to include a built‑in microfiber filter starting January 1, 2030. The filter must be fine enough (100 micrometers or better) or meet a similar standard set by the EPA and Department of Energy. Each machine must have a clear label telling users to check the filter and throw the collected lint in the trash. The agencies can set more rules to carry this out, and sellers who break the rules can face civil fines (up to $10,000 for a first violation and $30,000 for later ones) .
The bill also orders a nationwide study of tiny textile fibers—less than 5 millimeters long—in people and the environment, including possible health effects and impacts on overburdened communities. A public report is due within one year of the bill becoming law .