Enacts the washing our clothes without polluting our water act

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Brian Kavanagh says this is needed

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, even in the most remote areas. Due to their small size, they can bioaccumulate in the food chain and cause increasing environmental concern. Studies have found micro- plastics in humans' lungs, brains, and placentas and show that these particles can cause oxidative damage, DNA damage, and changes in gene activity. Microfibers are the most common type of microplastics, according to the EPA, and are found in several different ecosystems, such as wastewater, stormwater runoff, rivers, lakes, wildlife, etc. Around 60% of clothing is made entirely or in part from plastic, including polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These synthetic textiles shed microfibers through daily wear and also during washing. Scientists estimate that textiles produce 35% of ocean microplastic pollution, an estimated 2.2 million tons annu- ally. An average three-pound load of laundry can shed hundreds of thou- sands of microfibers into the sewer system. Most treatment plants in the USA are designed to reduce organic material in water and are not effi- cient in removing fine synthetic particles like microplastics. Filtration systems in washing machines are seen as an effective strategy for capturing microfibers before they enter wastewater effluent and the environment. Studies have shown that microfiber filters can capture up to 78% of all microfibers. Other states like California, Connecticut, and Oregon have created or passed laws to address the growing concerns regarding microplastics, specifically microfibers in washing machines. In 2020, France also mandated that all new washing machines sold as of January 1, 2025, include a filter to capture microfibers. This legis- lation establishes a phased approach that allows manufacturers suffi- cient time to develop, test, and deploy filtration technologies, through developed performance standards in consultation with the DEC.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.