Bill · H.R. 1239· House(119-HR-1239)
Voluntary Sustainable Apparel Labeling Act
- Introduced
- 2/12/2025
- Last activity
- 2/12/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Sean Casten
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Voluntary Sustainable Apparel Labeling Act" directs the EPA Administrator to create a voluntary labeling program for apparel. This program allows sellers to attach sustainability labels to their products or packaging to provide consumers with specific information. The labels will feature a numerical summary of total greenhouse gas emissions throughout an article's full life cycle. Participants may also make voluntary commitments to reduce these emissions. The Administrator will establish a database to make this information accessible to the public. Additionally, the act includes provisions for consumer outreach and penalties for fraudulent use of the labels.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill increases transparency by requiring the creation of a public database containing sustainability and emissions information.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+4
The bill enhances consumer protection by providing transparent, verified numerical data on the environmental impact of apparel products.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+3
The bill promotes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging voluntary commitments and providing information to drive consumer choices.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Informed Purchasing Decisions: The program provides consumers with a numerical quantification of greenhouse gas emissions, which the Administrator shall determine to be useful at the point of sale for making purchasing decisions (Section 2(b)(5)(A)).
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Access to Detailed Information: Consumers can access more detailed sustainability information via a quick response (QR) code or similar mechanism at the point of sale (Section 2(b)(6)(C)).
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Transparency via Database: The Administrator will establish a database that provides easy access for consumers to view the objectives, methodologies, and specific information regarding participating articles of apparel (Section 2(d)).
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Technical Support for Industry: The Administrator is required to provide technical assistance to participants, those seeking to become participants, and certified entities (Section 2(b)(15)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Penalties for Violations: Any person that violates a requirement of this section must pay a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation (Section 2(f)(1)).
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Strict Liability for Continued Non-compliance: In cases of continuing failure to obey an order, every single day of that failure is considered a separate offense (Section 2(f)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Urban Residents+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+3
- 2/12/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida