Microfiber pollution.

Existing law, the California Safe Drinking Water Act, requires the State Water Resources Control Board to administer provisions relating to the regulation of drinking water to protect public health. Existing law requires the state board, on or before July 1, 2020, to adopt a definition of microplastics in drinking water, as provided. Existing law requires the Ocean Protection Council, to the extent funds are available, to adopt and implement a Statewide Microplastics Strategy related to microplastic materials that pose an emerging concern for ocean health, as provided. This bill would require the state board to take specified actions relating to microfiber pollution on or before July 1, 2020, and would require the state board to identify best practices for clothing manufacturers to reduce the amount of microfibers released into the environment. The bill would require, on or before January 1, 2020, a public entity that uses a laundry system, and a private entity that contracts with a state agency for laundry services, to install a filtration system to capture microfibers that are shed during washing. The bill would require, on or before January 1, 2021, a private entity that uses an industrial or commercial laundry system to install a filtration system to capture microfibers. By requiring a public entity, which is defined to include specified local government entities, to install microfiber filtration systems, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.