N.Y. State Sues JBS, the Brazilian Beef Giant, Over Its Climate Claims

The New York attorney general, Letitia James, on Wednesday sued JBS USA, the American arm of the world’s largest meatpacker, accusing the company of making misleading statements about its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The lawsuit is a major setback for JBS, which is based in Brazil, as it pursues a listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

The lawsuit alleges that JBS has made a series of deceptive statements about its record on climate change, including claims that it will achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Ms. James cited several instances in recent years when the company claimed it was on the path to being net zero, or not adding any carbon emissions to the atmosphere. One she cited occurred during an onstage interview with Gilberto Tomazoni, the company’s global chief executive, at a New York Times event in September.

Other examples of misleading claims, Ms. James said, include a 2015 industry presentation, a full-page ad that JBS placed in The Times in 2021, and statements that currently appear on the company’s website.

She added that JBS has “used greenwashing and misleading statements to capitalize on consumers’ increasing desire to make environmentally friendly choices,” including with statements such as: “Agriculture can be part of the climate solution. Bacon, chicken wings, and steak with net zero emissions. It’s possible.”