Antitrust and Trade Regulation/Environmental Law: FTC Proposes Revisions to "Green Guides"

On October 6, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued proposed revisions to its so-called "Green Guides," the guidance that it gives marketers to help them avoid making misleading environmental claims. The proposed changes, according to the FTC's release, "include new guidance on marketers’ use of product certifications and seals of approval, 'renewable energy' claims, 'renewable materials' claims, and 'carbon offset' claims." The FTC is seeking public comments on the proposed changes until December 10, 2010.

The FTC's release on the proposed revisions include links to the 229-page text of the Federal Register notice, a summary of the proposal, and additional material.