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HB 1370

EPA-MICROFIBER FILTER

104th Regular Session Introduced by Diane Blair-Sherlock and 13 co-sponsors

Illinois mandates washing machines include microfiber filters to reduce microplastic pollution, requiring manufacturers to install filters or offer affordable retrofit options.

House Floor Amendment No. 4 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1370

Legislative bill overview

HB 1370 establishes requirements for microfiber filtration in washing machines sold in Illinois to prevent microplastic pollution. The bill mandates that manufacturers either install microfiber filters in new machines or provide consumers with retrofit filter options at reasonable costs. This represents a state-level environmental protection measure targeting a specific source of microplastic contamination in waterways.

Why is this important

Microfibers from synthetic clothing shed during washing and enter wastewater systems, ultimately contaminating rivers, lakes, and oceans where they accumulate in ecosystems and potentially enter the food chain. Illinois would become one of the first states to directly regulate this pollution source at the point of consumer use, potentially influencing national manufacturing standards. The policy addresses a documented environmental problem while creating compliance costs for appliance manufacturers and potentially affecting consumer prices.

Potential points of contention

  • Manufacturing compliance costs: Requiring filters or retrofits may increase washing machine prices or create market barriers for consumers, with manufacturers potentially passing costs downstream
  • Effectiveness and enforcement: Questions about whether microfiber filters are sufficiently effective, whether retrofit options will be adopted by existing machine owners, and how the state will enforce compliance
  • Federal preemption concerns: Uncertainty about whether state-level appliance standards conflict with federal efficiency regulations or interstate commerce considerations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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