TEXTILES.ORG
U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has introduced the Textile Waste Reduction Act, which would establish a federal framework for reducing textile waste. The bill would require federal action, directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lead the coordinated effort, develop a National Textile Circularity Strategy and complete an assessment of required policies, investment and implementation measures.
According to information from Pingree’s office, the bill specifically addresses fast fashion pollution and would establish the first coordinated federal framework to reduce textile waste and improve data collection, in addition to developing a national strategy to advance circularity in the textile industry. A GAO [Government Accounting Office] report confirms, Pingree says, that textile waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the U.S, driven largely by fast fashion.
“Federal action is necessary,” she says, “to confront this crisis in a real, impactful way. … Our country has the resources and know-how to lead this effort on a global scale.”
Specifically, the TWRA:
- Directs the EPA Administrator to take coordinated federal action to advance textile circularity.
- Requires EPA to develop a comprehensive National Textile Circularity Strategy and conduct a needs assessment identifying the actions, investments, and policy priorities necessary to implement the strategy.
- Creates an Interagency Working Group on Textile Circularity to coordinate federal activities.
- Establishes an Advisory Board to provide recommendations to the Interagency Working Group.
- Requires EPA to identify and publish federal funding opportunities available to states, Tribal governments, local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that support textile circularity.
- Requires EPA to annually publish updated data on textile waste generation and management.
Pingree is Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, which oversees the EPA.