Microfiber Filtration Bill
Microfiber Filtration Issue
Win for the Laundry Industry
In 2023, California Assembly Member Tina McKinnor introduced a bill that would mandate the installation of microfiber filters on all new washing machines sold in her state by 2029. The bill was intended to reduce the quantity of plastic microfibers that end up in freshwater systems and oceans.
CLA engaged KP Public Affairs to represent our interests – and we scored a major victory for our efforts to safeguard laundromat businesses from this potentially devastating legislation.
- The Senate Appropriations Committee agreed to adopt the primary amendment proposed by CLA to strike commercial washers from the bill entirely.
- CLA offered to participate in a State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) study to determine the best available solution for diverting microfibers within commercial washer applications and to submit a report to the legislature.
- The bill’s author determined the amendments to create a study would put the bill in jeopardy of being vetoed due to push back from the SWRCB, thus opting to remove commercial washer applications from the bill’s language entirely. In essence, commercial washers were completely dropped from this bill, as has any prospect of a two-year study by the SWRCB.
Next steps
The association anticipates an active 2025 with legislation in Illinois and an opportunity to participate in study groups in California ahead of the 2026 sessions. Additionally, lawmakers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania have displayed interest in similar microfiber legislation.
Thank you to CLA’s Strategic Corporate Allies for underwriting our advocacy efforts!
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