Rabb introduces first of its kind legislation to combat corporate ‘greenwashing’

Rep. Christopher M. Rabb    August 1, 2024 | 9:28 AM

HARRISBURG, Aug. 1 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., has introduced legislation, H.B. 2525, which would prohibit corporations from using deceitful and manipulative practices known as “greenwashing” in Pennsylvania.

“For decades now, corporations have taken advantage of environmentally conscious consumers by intentionally marketing their products in a manner that makes them appear better for the planet than they really are. This devious and manipulative practice is known as ‘greenwashing.’ You often see it when companies use terms such as ‘net zero,’ ‘low carbon’ or ‘cleaner energy,’ even if those claims are not based in reality or are aspirational at best,” Rabb said. “As we increasingly experience the drastic effects of the climate crisis, such as more intense storms, floods, droughts and wildfires, the last thing Pennsylvania consumers need is to be lied to as they try to make informed purchasing decisions.”

 

This legislation would ensure that there is truth in marketing by amending the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly prohibit deceptive environmental marketing claims.

"Corporations should not be allowed to lie to consumers and pretend that dirty and polluting products are healthy or sustainable, but the reality is these deceptive greenwashing practices are rampant across many industries, from fossil fuels to plastics and beyond,” said Iyla Shornstein, political director at Center for Climate Integrity. “This first-in-the-nation bill would help prevent corporate polluters from deceiving the public about harmful products and hold them accountable when they do.”

Rabb, a four-term lawmaker representing four neighborhoods in northwest Philadelphia, is a founding member of the PA Climate Caucus and serves on the board of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.