AB 129 (Bloom)—Microfiber Pollution

Overview: This bill will regulate the release of microfibers in machine washing devices by requiring filtration systems and providing funding for research and pilot programs.

CAW Position: Sponsor

Status: Active in Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee

In Context: Microfibers are tiny plastic fragments of, typically no less than 5 millimeters long, originating from synthetic fabrics. These fibers shed from synthetic clothing during regular washing. Because they are so small, microfibers aren’t caught by wastewater treatment plants. This bill will regulate the release of microfibers by requiring filtration systems and providing funding for research and pilot programs.

Bill Summary: To help reduce the impact of microfiber pollution and to help find solution AB 129 will:

• Require the State Water Resource Board Adopt a standard methodology to be used in evaluating residential microfiber filtration systems and publish the filtration efficiency of various filtration systems on or before July 1, 2020, and would require the state board to identify best practices for clothing manufacturers to reduce the amount of microfibers released into the environment.

• Require, on or before January 1, 2020, a public entity that uses a laundry system, and a private entity that contracts with a state agency for laundry services, to install a filtration system to capture microfibers that are shed during washing. The bill 

• Require, on or before January 1, 2021, a private entity that uses an industrial or commercial laundry system to install a filtration system to capture microfibers

Current language, analysis, and votes

Supporters:

• Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)

CAW Staff Contact: Robert Nunez, (916)443-5422