Mississippi agriculture commissioner opposes California climate reporting law

Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson has taken steps to shield state agribusinesses from California’s new climate reporting requirements. Gipson signed an administrative order Monday that directs Mississippi agencies not to enforce or assist with California’s mandates, which target large corporations.

California’s Air Resources Board is finalizing rules that would require U.S.-based companies with more than $1 billion in annual revenue doing business in the state to report greenhouse gas emissions annually. A separate law, requiring companies with over $500 million in revenue to file biennial climate-related financial risk reports, has been temporarily blocked by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Gipson said the legislation could affect Mississippi-based companies, particularly large poultry and egg producers. He called the laws an overreach of state authority and an attempt by California to impose international climate standards that have not been ratified in the United States.

In his administrative order, Gipson stated that no Mississippi agricultural producer, processor, or business is to be subject to California’s climate laws or any conflicting international climate mandates. The order also specifies that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce will not assist in enforcing California’s disclosure standards.

Gipson emphasized that Mississippi will govern its commerce according to state law. He added that the state will coordinate with the governor, attorney general, and other agencies to prevent extraterritorial regulations from impacting local businesses.

“We are sending a clear message to California and federal authorities—commerce conducted within Mississippi’s borders will be governed by Mississippi law, not by the legislative whims of Sacramento,” Gipson said.

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