HB1284 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 04637 CPF 49645 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB1284

Introduced 1/31/2023, by Rep. Daniel Didech

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

415 ILCS 5/52.6 new

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that on and after: (1) December 31, 2024, all State-owned washing machines must contain a microfiber filtration system; (2) December 31, 2028, no person shall manufacture for sale in this State a washing machine that does not contain a microfiber filtration system; and (3) December 31, 2030, no person shall accept for sale in this State a washing machine that does not contain a microfiber filtration system. Defines terms.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning safety.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Findings. The General Assembly finds that:

(1) Microfibers are the most prevalent microplastics found in the environment, are used as a synthetic alternative to natural fibers by the textile industry, are contained in the majority of clothing worldwide, and pose a serious threat to the State's environment.

(2) When synthetic clothing and other textiles containing microfibers are washed, they shed these tiny plastic fragments that are difficult to remediate once released. For example, studies suggest that, during a single wash, a fleece jacket can release up to one million microfibers, which explains why microfibers have been found in a range of land and aquatic ecosystems and why it is important to prevent their release.

(3) Once released into the water supply, microfibers can harm the small aquatic organisms that ingest them at the base of the marine food chain, and they are eventually bioaccumulated in other marine creatures and the human food web. While we know humans ingest microplastics through the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat, the health effects of ingesting microplastics are still unclear.

(4) Microfibers have been found in Illinois waters, including Lake Michigan and its tributaries, contain toxic chemicals intentionally added to textiles during manufacturing, and have been documented to collect harmful pollutants already present in the environment.

(5) Although synthetic fabrics have characteristics that are desirable for the textile industry and consumers, such as being affordable, moisture wicking, and lightweight, there are significant concerns about the environmental impact of these materials and the uncertain impact they have on human health. While research is needed on adverse consequences to the environment and human health of microplastics, some stopgap measures have been introduced, such as recommendations for new laundry detergent formulas to minimize microplastic shedding and recommendations for the use of fiber-catching mesh bags. Meanwhile, the use of microfibers in textiles is projected to grow.

(6) Without intervention and significant, costly improvements to the State's sewage treatment facilities, microfibers contained in textiles will continue to pollute Illinois' waters and hinder not only the recent, substantial economic investments that have been made in redeveloping Illinois waterfronts but also the ongoing efforts to restore the State's lakes, rivers, and recreational and commercial fisheries.

Section 5. The Environmental Protection Act is amended by adding Section 52.6 as follows:

(415 ILCS 5/52.6 new)

Sec. 52.6. Microfiber filtration.

(a) In this Section:

"Microfiber" means a synthetic fiber that is composed of microplastic, intentionally embedded into a textile, and shed from the textile when washed.

"Microfiber filtration system" means a washing machine filter that (i) is capable of reducing by 90% the mass of microfibers that would otherwise be emitted by the washing machine as a result of its operation and (ii) has a mesh size of 100 microns or less.

"Microplastic" means a plastic piece less than 5 millimeters in diameter.

"Plastic" has the meaning ascribed in subsection (a) of Section 52.5.

(b) On and after December 31, 2024, all State-owned washing machines must contain a microfiber filtration system.

(c) On and after December 31, 2028, no person shall manufacture for sale in this State a washing machine that does not contain a microfiber filtration system.

(d) On and after December 31, 2030, no person shall accept for sale in this State a washing machine that does not contain a microfiber filtration system.