A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The S. 2435 bill, known as the Fighting Fibers Act of 2025, requires all new residential and commercial washing machines sold in the United States to contain a microfiber filtration system starting on January 1, 2030. These washing machines must also bear a conspicuous label that instructs consumers to check the filter regularly and dispose of captured lint in a waste bin. The bill sets civil penalties for violations, with a fine of not more than $10,000 for a first violation and $30,000 for each subsequent violation. Additionally, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency must carry out a nationwide study on the presence, sources, and effects of microfibers in the human body and the environment. A report describing the results of this study must be submitted to Congress and made publicly available not later than 1 year after the date of enactment.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +7
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill mandates filtration systems in all new washing machines to reduce microfiber pollution in the environment.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into medical research?
The Act mandates a nationwide study to investigate the toxic effects of microfibers on human health.
- Scored +4
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?
The required study specifically directs the EPA to examine if microfibers have an inequitable impact on environmental justice communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 3 requires all new washing machines sold or offered for sale in the United States to contain a microfiber filtration system beginning on January 1, 2030. This could be viewed as a positive outcome because it ensures filters are active across all washing cycles and are either built-in or sold and installed with the machine.
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Section 3 requires washing machines to bear a conspicuous label informing consumers that the machine contains a filter to capture microfibers and directing them to check the filter regularly and dispose of captured lint in a waste bin. This is beneficial as it provides clear guidance to people on how to properly maintain the equipment and handle the waste.
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Section 4 directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a nationwide study on the presence, sources, and pathways of microfibers in the human body and the environment, as well as whether they have toxic effects or an inequitable impact on environmental justice communities. Making this report publicly available within one year provides transparency for the people.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Section 3 mandates that starting on January 1, 2030, no new washing machine may be sold or offered for sale unless it contains a specific microfiber filtration system and a conspicuous label. This could place burdens on manufacturers, sellers, and consumers regarding the availability and cost of new washing machines.
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Section 3 imposes civil penalties on any person that violates the requirements, set at not more than $10,000 for a first violation and $30,000 for each subsequent violation. This could be considered a negative consequence or heavy financial burden for individuals or businesses that fail to comply with the rules.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill's study on environmental justice may identify and address inequitable impacts on minority communities. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill's study on environmental justice may identify and address inequitable impacts on minority communities. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill's study on environmental justice may identify and address inequitable impacts on minority communities. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill's study on environmental justice may identify and address inequitable impacts on minority communities. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Environmental justice provisions in the study are likely to benefit urban areas disproportionately affected by pollution. Would white Americans be better off under this? — The bill's study on environmental justice may identify and address inequitable impacts on minority communities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill mandates filtration systems in all new washing machines to reduce microfiber pollution in the environment.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The Act mandates a nationwide study to investigate the toxic effects of microfibers on human health.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The required study specifically directs the EPA to examine if microfibers have an inequitable impact on environmental justice communities.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill requires mandatory labeling to inform consumers about the necessity of filter maintenance.
- 9/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/24/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey