Much of the focus around climate legislation coming out of the latest California legislative session has been on new, far-reaching requirements pertaining to disclosure of climate data and climate-related financial risk. However, California also adopted a third law related to climate change last year – AB 1305 – which has received somewhat less attention but may well have a wider and more immediate effect. Intended to address greenwashing claims, particularly related to voluntary carbon offsets (“VCO”), the Voluntary Carbon Market Disclosure Act mandates disclosure by entities that: (1) sell VCO credits in California; (2) buy or use VCO credits sold in California; and/or (3) make climate claims about corporate performance or products.
Author
Jessica Mitchell Wicha
BrowsingJessica Wicha is a member of Baker McKenzie’s Global Environmental Practice Group and is based in Chicago. Jessica advises US and multinational companies on managing the risks and liabilities arising under federal and state environmental, health and safety laws.
Jessica is a past co-chair of Baker McKenzie’s Chicago Associates Committee and currently serves on Baker McKenzie’s Chicago BGreen Committee.