Bill > SB680

This bill addresses greenwashing by establishing strict guidelines for environmental marketing claims, net zero claims, and reputational advertising in Oregon. The legislation defines key terms like "environmental marketing claim" as any public representation that a product or service benefits the natural environment, and "net zero claim" as a specific representation about achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and removals. The bill prohibits publishing claims that are materially false, misleading, deceptive, or fraudulent, with detailed criteria for determining what constitutes such a claim. For instance, a claim might be considered false if it omits critical information, lacks scientific evidence, is overly broad, or fails to disclose potential environmental trade-offs. Importantly, any person found in violation of these provisions would be subject to an unlawful trade practice designation and could be liable for up to $200 in damages to a plaintiff who purchased a product based on the misleading claim. The bill also amends existing trade practice laws to explicitly include these new environmental marketing restrictions and declares an emergency, meaning the law would take effect immediately upon passage. By creating these detailed standards, the bill aims to protect consumers from potentially deceptive environmental marketing practices and promote more transparent and accurate environmental claims by businesses.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB680