NY AG Sues World’s Largest Beef Producer Over Alleged Contribution to Climate Change

New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing JBS USA, the largest beef producer in the world, over the company’s emissions.  Additionally, James accused the company of “greenwashing” and misleading the public on its environmental impact.

In the attorney general’s announcement, James claimed that beef production is responsible for the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions, constituting 14.5% of global emissions.  James further accused JBS USA of embarking on net-zero emissions pledges that were “not feasible” based on the scale of global beef production.

According to James, everyday citizens are allegedly forced to endure the effects of climate change.  She explained that false advertising from companies, such as JBS USA, is deceptive toward environmentally-conscious consumers.

“As families continue to face the daily impacts of the climate crisis, they are willing to spend more of their hard-earned money on products from brands that are better for the environment,” James said in her statement. “When companies falsely advertise their commitment to sustainability, they are misleading consumers and endangering our planet.”

“JBS USA’s greenwashing exploits the pocketbooks of everyday Americans and the promise of a healthy planet for future generations,” she noted. “My office will always ensure that companies do not abuse the environment and the trust of hardworking consumers for profit.”

Peter Lehner, an attorney at Earthjustice, echoed Letitia James’s sentiment, claiming that the beef producer’s net zero targets over the next few decades are unrealistic.  Lehner asserted that JBS would require a massive overhaul of its operations to make the goal feasible.

“JBS repeatedly claims that it will reach net zero by 2040. This claim was found to be misleading and yet JBS continues to assert it,” Lehner said. “While it is critical for every company to reduce its climate change impact, JBS would need to implement enormous operational changes to achieve this goal. However, JBS is doing very little and is not taking anywhere close to the steps that would be required.”

However, a representative of JBS hit back disagreement with the accusations from the likes of Letitia James, maintaining that their actions are in accordance with future sustainability goals.  “JBS takes its commitment to a more sustainable future for agriculture very seriously,” JBS USA spokesperson Nikki Richardson told Fox News Digital. “We disagree with the action taken today by the New York Attorney General’s office.”

The spokesperson continued, expounding upon the company’s efforts in making its operations more sustainable.  “JBS will continue to partner with farmers, ranchers and our food system partners around the world to help feed a growing population while using fewer resources and reducing agriculture’s environmental impact,” she continued. “Our belief that American agriculture can help sustainably feed the world is undeterred.”  The Biden administration has specifically called out the agricultural industry to make a more concerted effort to meet decarbonization goals.