This bill, titled the "Voluntary Sustainable Apparel Labeling Act," mandates the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a voluntary sustainable apparel labeling program. The EPA will consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Federal Trade Commission to develop regulations within two years. Under this program, apparel sellers can apply to have their articles included, and if approved, can attach an apparel sustainability label to the product or its packaging. The label's primary purpose is to convey a numerical summary of the total greenhouse gas emissions released throughout the full life cycle of the apparel, from raw material sourcing to consumer use and end-of-life disposal. It will also summarize any voluntary commitments made by the participant to reduce emissions and provide electronic access via a QR code to more detailed information, including a public database. The EPA will establish verification methods based on best available scientific information and international standards, and will also create a consumer outreach program to inform the public about the label. Fraudulent use of the label will incur civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Environmental Protection
Voluntary Sustainable Apparel Labeling Act
USA119th CongressHR-1239| House
| Updated: 2/12/2025
This bill, titled the "Voluntary Sustainable Apparel Labeling Act," mandates the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a voluntary sustainable apparel labeling program. The EPA will consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Federal Trade Commission to develop regulations within two years. Under this program, apparel sellers can apply to have their articles included, and if approved, can attach an apparel sustainability label to the product or its packaging. The label's primary purpose is to convey a numerical summary of the total greenhouse gas emissions released throughout the full life cycle of the apparel, from raw material sourcing to consumer use and end-of-life disposal. It will also summarize any voluntary commitments made by the participant to reduce emissions and provide electronic access via a QR code to more detailed information, including a public database. The EPA will establish verification methods based on best available scientific information and international standards, and will also create a consumer outreach program to inform the public about the label. Fraudulent use of the label will incur civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.