How New U.S. Policies Are Shaping Fashion and Sustainability in 2025
Updated 4/24/2025
We promised to keep you apprised of Trump administration legislation and how it impacts the environment and the fashion industry. As we approach his 100th day back in the White House, here’s a roundup of key environmental policy changes, and what they mean for the fashion industry (spoiler: it’s not great).
Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement (Again):
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14162, titled “Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements,” which is basically code for “we’re out.” Again. This marks the second time the U.S. has exited the accord under Trump’s leadership, proving that some things really do come back in style – like wide leg pants and…climate denial?
Environmental organizations have criticized this move, emphasizing its potential to hinder global efforts to combat climate change.
Source: BallotPedia
Rescission of Biden-Era Environmental Policies
On the same day, Trump issued Executive Order 14148, “Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions,” nullifying several of President Biden’s executive orders related to climate and environmental regulations. The administration claims this will reduce bureaucratic red tape. Critics argue it’s more like cutting the safety net—and lighting it on fire.
Source: WhiteHouse.gov
Rollback of NEPA Regulations
In 2025, the Trump administration directed the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to toss out rules it had made implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) since 1977. That’s right, we’re rolling back environmental protections to pre-disco levels.
Supporters say it will streamline permitting processes. Critics say it will streamline pollution.
Source: Federal Register
Reintroduction of Plastic Straws
File this one under “Things No One Asked For.” Worrying about straws seems silly, but it’s just another small way the Trump administration is expressing their disregard for the environment. In February 2025, Trump signed Executive Order 14208, "Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws," effectively reversing the federal government's phaseout of single-use plastic straws. The order mandates the cessation of paper straw purchases by federal agencies, a move that has been met with criticism from environmentalists and praise from the plastics industry.
Source: WhiteHouse.gov
EPA Dismantling Climate Protections
In March 2025, the EPA – under Trump’s leadership – announced a sweeping rollback of climate regulations. Internal memos described it as a “temporary deregulation initiative” to promote economic growth, but many environmental groups argue it effectively guts decades of climate progress.
This rollback includes:
- Suspension of methane leak detection requirements for oil and gas companies.
- Halting enforcement of limits on coal plant emissions
- Loosening limits on pollution from textile dyeing and manufacturing facilities—yep, directly affecting how fashion brands operate.
Environmental advocates, including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC.org), warn this deregulation will increase pollution, disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, and make sustainability a harder lift for businesses trying to do the right thing.
Source: The Guardian
Implications for the fashion industry:
Each of these actions has significant ramifications for the fashion industry:
- Increased carbon footprint: Less federal oversight means more emissions – and more challenges for brands working to reduce theirs.
- Regulatory whiplash: Brands that invested in green tech under previous administrations now face uncertainty. Again.
- Messy supply chains: Weakened protections can lead to increased pollution and less accountability from raw material suppliers and manufacturers.
In other words, it’s getting harder (but more important) to stay ethical and eco-friendly in fashion. Passion Lilie isn’t backing down. We’ll continue to make your favorite affordable, sustainable fashion, and we’ll keep you updated on how legislation is affecting the environment.
1/29/2025
Here at Passion Lilie, sustainable, ethically made clothes are our one true love. Fashion shouldn’t hurt people or the planet, and we’re on a mission to offer eco-friendly clothing that’s both affordable and beautiful. But as much as we strive to lead the way, real change takes a team effort – and by “team,” we mean everyone, including lawmakers.Yep, we’re talking about legislation. Stick with us! It’s not as dry as it sounds, especially when we’re diving into why public policy has a huge impact on the fashion industry (and why it’s worth your attention. From tackling climate change to enforcing labor standards, legislation is the ultimate power move for a more sustainable and ethical future. Let’s unpack it.
In this post, we’ll dive into why policy is important, and what legislation you should be looking out for in the coming administration.
Why Policy Matters in Fashion
The fashion industry may bring us joy with gorgeous wrap dresses and timeless prints, but it has a darker side. Waste, pollution, lack of diversity and representation, labor abuses, and opaque supply chains are rampant – and they’re not going away without some serious action. That’s where legislation comes in.
Here’s why it matters:
- Labor laws protect people: Fashion shouldn’t come at the cost of human rights, but forced labor and unsafe working conditions are still common in manufacturing hubs around the world. Strong labor laws – and their enforcement – can make child labor, modern slavery, and exploitation a thing of the past.
- Environmental standards keep us accountable: The fashion industry contributes up to 10% of global carbon emissions – yikes! Without environmental regulations, practices like water-intensive textile production, toxic dyeing, and unsustainable material sourcing run rampant. Policies promoting renewable energy, waste reduction, and eco-friendly materials are essential to cleaning up our act.
- Supply chain transparency = informed choices: As consumers, we want to know where our clothes come from and how they’re made. Transparency laws compel companies to disclose their sourcing and manufacturing processes, allowing you to shop consciously and hold brands accountable for their practices.
Public policy isn’t just about rules, it’s about raising the bar so we can all compete on a fair, sustainable playing field. Imagine a world where all brands meet higher standards, making it easier (and more affordable!) to choose eco-friendly options.
Climate Legislation and How it Impacts the Fashion Industry
If you’re worried about sustainability, the words “Paris Climate Agreement” probably ring a bell. If not, no worries – here’s a quick refresher. The Paris Climate is a global pact signed by 197 nations to combat climate change. It aims to limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. It's like a group project where everyone agrees to do their part to save the planet (and hold each other accountable).
In his first week in office in January 2025, President Trump initiated significant policy changes with implications for the fashion industry. Most notably, he announced the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, a move that complicates the fashion industry’s path to achieving net-zero emissions and disrupts global climate efforts. Without that framework, it’s harder for companies to align sustainability efforts across borders.
On the campaign trail, Trump claimed that “we don’t have a global warming problem” and promised to “drill, baby, drill.” In the first week of his administration, President Trump declared a national energy emergency and proposed loosening emissions regulations through executive orders. These actions represent a significant shift in US policy and has major implications for the fashion industry.
Policies favoring fossil fuels could make energy prices lower in the short term, but neglecting to develop renewable infrastructure may lead to long-term price volatility. Relaxing emissions standards during an energy emergency can increase pollution, contributing to environmental degradation.
These policy shifts can discourage companies from investing in sustainable innovations and technologies that are critical to the fashion industry. The development of low-impact materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester may stall without policy support – especially for brands that are not intrinsically motivated to go green.
How we can push forward (even when policy falls short)
The path forward looks a little bumpy at the moment, but we’re not giving up. If anything, we’re more fired up than ever and ready to do our part. Here’s how we’re pushing forward:
- Collaborating with private sector initiatives like The Fashion Pact or the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. These groups are bringing brands together to tackle emissions and sustainability challenges.
- Reducing our own carbon emissions by investing in renewable energy for manufacturing and retail operations.
- Advocating for state or local policies supporting environmental stewardship. State and local governments can pass legislation that makes a difference.
How you can make a difference:
Don’t underestimate your power to make a difference. Your voice and your choices matter! Here’s how you can support a better future for fashion:
- Shop responsibly: Support brands (like us!) that are committed to ethical and sustainable practices. Transparency matters, and your purchases can drive demand for change.
- Vote with purpose: Pay attention to candidates’ stances on climate change, labor laws, and sustainability. Your vote shapes the policies that impact us all. If you live in a state that makes you feel like your vote doesn’t matter, remember that each tug toward policies you believe in is important. Lawmakers have to know you exist and that people do care about these issues when they consider how to vote.
- Stay informed: Follow updates on fashion-related legislation and share what you learn with your friends. Awareness is the first step to action.
We’re in this with you—and while the challenges may be daunting, they’re not insurmountable. Let’s keep pushing for a fashion industry (and a world) that prioritizes people and the planet over profit. Check back often for updates on fashion policy—we’ll keep you updated (and we’ll keep it panic-free).
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