Fashion Environmental Accountability Act - Summer

Team Members: Francine Gordon, Diana Chipak, Madison Kerbeck, Peyton Choo, Tarlee Dahn, Maxwell Howland, Kyria Hu, Ndumi Kioko, Carrie Kim, Poornima Pandian

This report analyzes the proposed Fashion Environmental Accountability Act (A4631-B), legislation intended to regulate the environmental and social impacts of the global fashion industry through transparency and corporate due diligence requirements. The bill responds to growing concerns about the industry’s significant environmental footprint, including greenhouse gas emissions, chemical pollution, and textile waste. Fashion accounts for roughly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and substantial water pollution, while New York alone generates significant volumes of textile waste annually. The legislation would require large fashion companies operating in New York to map their supply chains, disclose environmental and labor impacts, and report greenhouse gas emissions. Oversight would be shared among state agencies, with penalties for noncompliance contributing to a Fashion Remediation Fund designed to support environmental restoration and affected communities.

The report evaluates the scientific and policy foundations of the bill, examining how supply-chain transparency, due diligence requirements, and environmental reporting could improve accountability in the fashion sector. The authors also explore technological and industry innovations aimed at reducing emissions, improving wastewater treatment, and addressing textile waste. While the legislation could position New York as a global leader in regulating the environmental impacts of fashion supply chains, implementation challenges remain, particularly regarding data availability, supply-chain complexity, and enforcement capacity. The report concludes that the bill represents an important step toward integrating sustainability and environmental justice into the global fashion industry, though careful policy design and industry collaboration will be essential to ensure effective implementation.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.