Historic New York bill seeks to hold fashion retailers accountable on sustainability

A historic bill in New York is aiming to hold major fashion brands in New York accountable on sustainability and worker's rights. Backed by multiple environmental and human rights advocacy groups, the Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act would be the first of its kind in the nation. 

The bill, sponsored by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and State Assemblywoman Dr. Anna Kelles, would require all New York apparel and footwear retailers with global revenues of at least $100 million to disclose their plans to "identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address" the adverse social and environmental impacts of their production processes. 

"We have an opportunity to really lead the way," Biaggi said at a virtual press conference on Friday announcing the bill. "And it is not hyperbolic to say that our state and our country and our world's future depends on all of us taking bold action in all the ways that we can."