USA
Green Food Purchasing Amendment Act 2020
Summary Description
Directs to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with food.
Species
Jurisdiction
USA
Sub-Jurisdiction
N/A
Type of Act
Legislation
Status
In force
Legal Value
Binding
Date Enacted
2020
Date Updated
January, 2024
Official Citation
Green Food Purchasing Amendment Act, DC-Law 24-16 (2021)
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Directs the Department of Energy and Environment to adopt a methodology to estimate greenhouse gas emissions that occur through the life cycle of certain foods and establish a baseline measurement of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the District's food and beverage purchases, and to require contracting agencies to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with food and beverages according to a reduction schedule (for purchases over $10,000). Requires agencies to quantify emissions from their food purchases and take steps to reduce these emissions by 25% by 2030 (10% by 2025, 18% by 2027). Requires DOEE to prepare an annual report (by 1 February 2025, and each February 1 thereafter) with recommendations for other procurement options that could be targeted to lower greenhouse gas emissions and recommendations to more quickly achieve reduction goals.
Weaknesses
- Reduction targets lack ambition.
- Language is unclear regarding the need for plant-based procurement to achieve greenhouse gas emission targets and there is no mandate to include plant-based or vegan options in public procurements contracts.
- Reporting nor monitoring requirements do not apply to contracting agencies and the bill does not include periodic reporting requirements and adjustments based on "best available science."
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