Bills · HR 4694
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4694Environmental Protection
Fighting Fibers Act of 2025
INTRO JUL 23· LAST ACTION JUL 23
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
3
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because tiny fibers, particularly plastic microfibers from synthetic clothing, are a major source of environmental pollution. When clothes are washed, these microscopic fibers shed and are flushed into wastewater systems, eventually ending up in our oceans, rivers, and even drinking water. This pollution harms aquatic life and can enter the human food chain, with potential long-term health consequences that are not yet fully understood.
If this bill becomes law, it would proactively address this pollution source by requiring filtration at the point of origin: the washing machine. This could significantly reduce the amount of microfibers released into the environment, leading to cleaner ecosystems and potentially mitigating health risks. Without this bill, the unchecked flow of microfibers from laundry into our environment would continue, potentially worsening a global pollution problem and increasing exposure risks for both wildlife and humans.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires all new residential and commercial washing machines sold in the U.S. after January 1, 2030, to include a microfiber filtration system active across all washing cycles.
This provision directly addresses microfiber pollution at its source by preventing fibers from entering wastewater systems.
PROVISION 02
Specifies that the filtration system must have a mesh size of no more than 100 micrometers or meet an equivalent standard set by the EPA and Department of Energy.
This sets a technical performance benchmark to ensure the filters are effective in capturing very small fibers.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that new washing machines with these filters display a clear label informing consumers about the filter and instructing them to regularly clean it.
This ensures consumer awareness and promotes proper maintenance, which is essential for the filters to effectively prevent pollution.
PROVISION 04
Directs the EPA to conduct a nationwide study on the presence, sources, pathways, and potential toxic and inequitable impacts of microfibers.
This provision aims to gather crucial scientific data to better understand the scope and effects of microfiber pollution on health and the environment.
PROVISION 05
Establishes civil penalties of up to $10,000 for a first violation and $30,000 for subsequent violations for selling non-compliant washing machines.
These penalties provide a mechanism to enforce the new requirements for washing machine manufacturers and sellers.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
25
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 3 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 23
Introduced in House
JUL 23
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4694
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 23, 2025
Last actionJul 23, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 23, 2025
House BillHR 4694Environmental Protection
Fighting Fibers Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUL 23, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 23, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
