S. 2435 — Fighting Fibers Act of 2025

This section requires that, beginning January 1, 2030, no new washing machine (including residential and commercial models) may be sold or offered for sale in the United States unless it (1) contains a microfiber filtration system active across all washing cycles—with a mesh size of not greater than 100 micrometers or an equivalent standard determined by EPA and the Department of Energy; (2) bears a conspicuous label stating “Notice: This washing machine contains a filter to capture microfibers. Check filter regularly and dispose of captured lint in a waste bin” (or a similar label); and (3) meets any other requirements established by EPA and the Department of Energy through rulemaking. It authorizes civil penalties assessed by EPA of up to $10,000 for a first violation and $30,000 for each subsequent violation.

This section defines "microfiber" as a synthetic or natural textile fiber less than 5 millimeters in length. It directs the Administrator, in consultation with other relevant federal agencies as appropriate, to conduct a nationwide study on (1) the presence, sources, and pathways of microfibers in the human body and environment; (2) toxic effects of microfibers on human health and the environment; and (3) inequitable impacts of microfibers on environmental justice communities. The Administrator must submit a report describing the study results to Congress, and make the report publicly available, not later than one year after enactment.