Legis Daily

Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act

USA119th CongressHR-848| House 
| Updated: 1/31/2025
Sean Casten

Sean Casten

Democratic Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (1)
Julia Brownley (Democratic)

Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, titled the "Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act," mandates the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a voluntary food climate labeling program . This program will be developed and operated in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Federal Trade Commission. Food manufacturers, importers, distributors, or sellers can apply to place the label on their products, with authorization granted by the EPA based on their commitment to adhere to program requirements, not on an assessment of the food's environmental benefits. The EPA will specify the visual form of the food climate label, the information it includes, and the method for verifying that information, consulting with food industry stakeholders. The label will feature two numerical summaries of total greenhouse gas emissions throughout the food's lifecycle, covering stages from ingredient growing and processing to packaging, distribution, consumer use, and end-of-life. A QR code will provide electronic access to additional details, including voluntary commitments to reduce emissions and a publicly accessible database. The verification method for the label information must adhere to uniform standards, involve certified entities for measurement and reporting, and utilize the best available scientific information, considering international carbon accounting standards like ISO 14040 and the GHG Protocol. The bill also requires the EPA to establish a program for voluntary commitments to reduce emissions, create a public database of program information, and conduct consumer outreach. Penalties for fraudulent use of the label include civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9808
Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act
Jan 31, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 31, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9808
    Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act


  • January 31, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 31, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Environmental Protection

Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act

USA119th CongressHR-848| House 
| Updated: 1/31/2025
This bill, titled the "Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act," mandates the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a voluntary food climate labeling program . This program will be developed and operated in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Federal Trade Commission. Food manufacturers, importers, distributors, or sellers can apply to place the label on their products, with authorization granted by the EPA based on their commitment to adhere to program requirements, not on an assessment of the food's environmental benefits. The EPA will specify the visual form of the food climate label, the information it includes, and the method for verifying that information, consulting with food industry stakeholders. The label will feature two numerical summaries of total greenhouse gas emissions throughout the food's lifecycle, covering stages from ingredient growing and processing to packaging, distribution, consumer use, and end-of-life. A QR code will provide electronic access to additional details, including voluntary commitments to reduce emissions and a publicly accessible database. The verification method for the label information must adhere to uniform standards, involve certified entities for measurement and reporting, and utilize the best available scientific information, considering international carbon accounting standards like ISO 14040 and the GHG Protocol. The bill also requires the EPA to establish a program for voluntary commitments to reduce emissions, create a public database of program information, and conduct consumer outreach. Penalties for fraudulent use of the label include civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9808
Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act
Jan 31, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 31, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9808
    Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act


  • January 31, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 31, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Sean Casten

Sean Casten

Democratic Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (1)
Julia Brownley (Democratic)

Energy and Commerce Committee

Environmental Protection

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted