ALBANY, NY (WENY)--AS FAST FASHION CONTINUES TO RISE, SOME LAWMAKERS IN ALBANY ARE PUSHING FOR LEGISLATION AIMING TO HOLD FASHION SELLERS ACCOUNTABLE TO STANDARDIZED ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL POLICIES.  

ACCORDING TO THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION, THE FASHION INDUSTRY IS HIGHLY GREENHOUSE GAS INTENSIVE—CONTRIBUTING AROUND 10 PERCENT OF GLOBAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.  

SOME NEW YORK STATE LAWMAKERS SAid THIS legislation COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.  

“This bill is part of a whole package of moving forward to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions not only as a state but actually this bill has a global impact and I think that’s something that’s really important,” said Assembly Member Anna Kelles (D-Assembly District 125).

ASSEMBLY MEMBER KELLES HIGHLIGHTS THE FASHION INDUSTRY HAS NEVER BEEN REGULATED GLOBALLY. SHE SAid THIS LEGISLATION COULD BE A START.  

IF PASSED, THIS WOULD BE THE OF ITS KIND IN THE NATION.  

“And because it would hold them accountable all the way to the supply chain, it could have a very large effect on raising labor standards and raising labor standards for all,” said Assembly Member Alex Bores (D-Assembly District 73).

Some lawmakers agree. 

“The federal government isn’t doing anything in terms of the garment industry and its contributions to carbon emissions, so it's time for New York to step into that void and make these requirements,” said Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-47th Senate District).

SEN. HOYLMAN-SIGAL SAid HE IF CONFIDENT THE LEGISLATION WILL ADVANCE THIS SESSION.