“Seventh Generation Leads the Charge in Advocating for Climate Superfund Laws Amidst Trump Administration’s Environmental Rollbacks”
Seventh Generation, a well-known cleaning products company, is taking a stand against federal environmental policies under the Trump administration by advocating for state laws that hold polluters accountable for the negative impacts of climate change. The company played a significant role in supporting Vermont’s Climate Superfund Act, which was signed into law in May 2024. Additionally, Seventh Generation was part of a business group that helped pass similar legislation in New York in December 2024.
The company is now focusing its efforts on California, where lawmakers have reintroduced a climate superfund bill that failed to pass previously. Seventh Generation is also monitoring similar bills in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Oregon. Kate Ogden, head of advocacy and movement building at Seventh Generation, emphasized the importance of state-level policies in addressing climate change.
Ashley Orgain, chief impact officer at Seventh Generation, highlighted the need for businesses with net-zero goals to advocate for climate and clean energy laws. She noted that fossil fuel companies often dominate the dialogue and lobbying efforts against such legislation. Seventh Generation has been a vocal supporter of climate policies since its founding in 1988, with parent company Unilever also actively engaging in climate issues.
Climate superfund laws, like those in Vermont and New York, hold businesses responsible for the costs of climate change impacts by assessing fees based on their greenhouse gas emissions. These laws aim to ensure that companies pay their fair share for the damages caused by climate-related disasters. Despite facing legal challenges and resistance from industry groups, Seventh Generation remains committed to supporting these laws.
Seventh Generation collaborates with community-centered policy experts and advocacy groups to build public support for climate legislation. The company’s involvement in grassroots efforts and lobbying activities demonstrates its commitment to advancing climate policies. By teaming up with other businesses and organizations, Seventh Generation aims to strengthen its advocacy efforts and promote a unified message in support of climate legislation.
In California, Seventh Generation is working to build a business coalition to support new climate legislation introduced in February. The company believes that collective action is essential in defending existing laws and advocating for new legislation. By challenging the narratives of fossil fuel companies and highlighting the financial and health impacts of climate change, Seventh Generation is striving to make a meaningful impact on climate policy at the state level.