AB 802 (Bloom)
Microfiber Pollution

OVERVIEW

AB 802 tasks the State Water Board to identify the best microfiber filtration technology for industrial laundry facilities and requires these facilities to implement the technology.

THE ISSUE

When plastic litter breaks down in our ecosystem, it turns into tiny pieces called microplastics. Similarly, when clothing made of synthetic materials (including common fabrics such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon) are washed, they also release tiny pieces of plastic called microfibers. Microfibers persist in the environment, and they have been found in remote marine habitats, drinking water, and in food.

Position: Sponsored by Californians Against Waste
Contact: Nick Lapis

BILL SUMMARY

This bill would require the State Water Resource Board to test microfiber filtration systems, adopt a standard methodology for evaluating the filtration systems, and publish the results. It would also phase in washing machine filtration system requirements for public entities that use a laundry system, like universities and prisons, or those that contract with the State for these services, then expand to all businesses.

Status: Dead. Not heard by Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee.
Current language, analysis, and votes: AB 802