CT SB00341

Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection must convene a working group by July 1, 2018, including representatives from the apparel industry and environmental community to develop a consumer awareness program on synthetic microfibers in clothing.

Working group must include representatives from seven specified organizations: Sustainable Apparel Coalition, American Apparel and Footwear Association, American Apparel and Producer's Network, Fashion Group International, National Retail Federation, Council of Fashion Designers of America, and Fashion Business, Inc.

Consumer education program shall explain how microfibers shed from clothing and enter state waterways, provide best practices to reduce microfiber dispersal, and describe industry efforts to reduce or eliminate microfibers in clothing.

Commissioner must submit a report to the joint standing committee on environment by January 1, 2019, detailing working group efforts and recommendations for legislation on consumer awareness and microfiber reduction.