Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced H.R. 10454 – the Textile Waste Reduction Act (TWRA). While the bill is focused on mitigating the environmental impacts of the fast fashion industry, the legislation is broad enough to impact all textile recycling efforts.

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
  • Requires EPA to identify and publish federal funding opportunities available that support textile circularity
  • Requires EPA to annually publish updated data on textile waste generation and management

As textiles are an important part of mattress production, ISPA will request a meeting with Representative Pingree’s office to discuss how this bill can support the mattress industry’s sustainability efforts.