New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against JBS USA, the world’s largest producer of beef products, accusing the company of making false environmental claims. The lawsuit alleges that JBS USA has misled the public about its net zero greenhouse gas emissions pledge by 2040, stating that the company has no viable plan in place to achieve this goal.
In the lawsuit, Attorney General James claims that JBS USA has made misleading statements about its efforts to curb deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to attract consumers who prioritize environmentally-friendly companies. The attorney general’s office highlights that animal agriculture is responsible for nearly 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with beef production being the largest contributor among major food commodities.
According to Ms. James, JBS Group and JBS USA have repeatedly deceived consumers by promoting their commitment to sustainability while not having calculated the company’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The attorney general argues that this lack of information makes it impossible for JBS USA to determine whether they can successfully reduce emissions to net zero by 2040.
The press release from Ms. James’ office reveals that JBS reported global greenhouse gas emissions of over 71 million tons in 2021, making their “net zero” commitment unrealistic given their current business operations and plans to significantly increase beef production.
As a result, Attorney General James is seeking court intervention to compel JBS USA to end its “Net Zero by 2040” campaign and return any profits associated with the pledge. The lawsuit also requests civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, with the exact number of violations to be determined at trial.
Ms. James emphasizes that consumers are increasingly concerned about their environmental impact and are more likely to trust companies and brands that demonstrate sustainability and climate consciousness. She argues that when companies falsely advertise their commitment to sustainability, they mislead consumers and put the planet at risk.
A spokesperson for JBS responded to the allegations, stating that the company disagrees with the action taken by the New York Attorney General’s office. The spokesperson affirms that JBS remains committed to reducing the environmental impact of the agriculture industry and will continue to collaborate with farmers, ranchers, and food system partners worldwide.
The lawsuit against JBS USA highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability commitments. It serves as a reminder that consumers are becoming increasingly discerning about the environmental claims made by companies and expect them to be backed up by concrete plans and actions.
As consumers, it is crucial for us to educate ourselves about the environmental practices of the companies we support. By holding businesses accountable for their claims and demanding greater transparency, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.
