New York City, NY – Assemblyman Andy Goodell, a Republican from Jamestown, is questioning the priorities of State Attorney General Letitia James. He wonders why she appears to be more focused on cow flatulence than on the dangers posed by lithium-ion battery fires from e-bikes and e-scooters. According to Goodell, these battery fires have caused 202 fires, 142 injuries, and six deaths in New York City between January 2021 and December 2022.
During a recent floor debate on a bill that would establish a free replacement program for faulty lithium-ion batteries, Goodell expressed his surprise that the state attorney general, who oversees the Consumer Products Safety Division, has not addressed this issue. The costs of the replacement program, which would be funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), are yet to be determined. It’s likely that a surcharge will be imposed on all utility ratepayers across the state.
Goodell specifically criticized James’ lawsuit against a beef producer, JBS USA Food Company, and JBS USA Food Company Holdings. James alleges that the company is misleading the public about its environmental impact and claims of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. While the lawsuit does not mention cow flatulence, it is a known fact that livestock, especially cattle, produce methane as part of their digestive processes, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
The Republican assemblyman questioned why James is suing beef manufacturers for cow flatulence but not addressing the issue of defective electric batteries. He urged her to prioritize public safety in New York City. Goodell highlighted the substantial greenhouse gas emissions of the JBS Group, the parent company of JBS USA, as reported by James. He suggested that prioritizing the regulation of electric batteries would be more beneficial to the environment and consumer protection.
James’ lawsuit seeks to stop JBS USA’s “Net Zero by 2040” advertising campaign and require the company to undergo a third-party audit of its compliance with consumer protection statutes in New York. She alleges that the company misled consumers and pocketed their money by falsely advertising its commitment to sustainability. The lawsuit also raises concerns about the company’s calculations of greenhouse gas emissions, which allegedly do not account for emissions resulting from deforestation in the Amazon.
In a statement, James emphasized the importance of holding companies accountable for their environmental claims and protecting consumers. She condemned what she called JBS USA’s “greenwashing” tactics and stated that her office will ensure that companies do not exploit the environment or deceive consumers for profit.
As the debate continues, New Yorkers are left questioning where the state attorney general’s priorities truly lie – dealing with the risks of lithium-ion battery fires or addressing the environmental impact of beef production. The issue of defective electric batteries remains a concern for public safety, prompting calls for action from the state attorney general’s office.