To prohibit a person from making a misleading recycled content claim in advertising, marketing, selling, or offering for sale a product to a consumer, and for other purposes.

Legislative Summary: H.R. 7502

Overview

Bill Number: H.R. 7502

Session: 119th Congress

Title: To prohibit a person from making a misleading recycled content claim in advertising, marketing, selling, or offering for sale a product to a consumer, and for other purposes.

Status: Introduced (February 11, 2026); Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Purpose and Intent

The primary objective of H.R. 7502 is to protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices regarding the environmental attributes of products. Specifically, the bill aims to eliminate "greenwashing"—the practice of making unsubstantiated or misleading claims about the recycled content of a product to make it appear more environmentally friendly than it actually is.

By establishing stricter standards for "recycled content" claims, the bill intends to ensure that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions based on accurate data.

Key Provisions

While the bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, its title and stated purpose indicate the following core mandates:

• Prohibition of Misleading Claims: The bill prohibits any person or entity from making false or misleading claims regarding the proportion of recycled materials used in a product's manufacturing.
• Scope of Application: The restrictions apply to all stages of the commercial process, including:
  • Advertising: Television, digital, and print ads.
  • Marketing: Promotional materials and social media campaigns.
  • Sales: Direct sales and product packaging/labeling.
• Standardization: The bill seeks to create a legal baseline for what constitutes a legitimate "recycled content" claim, reducing the ambiguity that currently allows companies to use vague terms (e.g., "eco-friendly" or "recycled materials") without specific percentages or certifications.

Who is Affected?

• Businesses and Manufacturers: Companies that market products as being made from recycled materials will be required to verify their claims to avoid legal penalties.
• Consumers: General readers and buyers will benefit from increased transparency and a reduction in deceptive environmental labeling.
• Regulatory Bodies: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce (and potentially the FTC) would likely oversee the enforcement and definition of these standards.

Procedural Status

The bill was introduced on February 11, 2026, and has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. As it is currently in the committee phase, it will undergo review, potential amendments, and hearings before it can be voted upon by the full House of Representatives.

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided legislative title and action history. As the bill progresses through the committee process, specific enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and definitions may be added or amended.