Markets Wired

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission approved a final order resolving allegations that a Washington, DC-based firm, Tested Green, sold environmental certifications to businesses in exchange for money and not based on their environmental attributes; and misrepresented that its certifications were endorsed by two independent associations, which were actually owned and operated by Jeremy Ryan Claeys, the owner of Tested Green.

The final order bars Tested Green and Claeys from making misrepresentations when selling any product or service. The final order further bars Tested Green and Claeys from making any representations about an endorser unless they clearly and prominently disclose any connection they have with the endorser when one exists.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 5-0. It can be found on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release. (FTC File No. 102-3064; the staff contact is Elsie B. Kappler, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2466; see press release dated January 11, 2011). Consumer information about the FTC’s Green Guides for environmental marketing can be found here.

Copies of the document mentioned in this release are available from the FTC’s website at http://www.ftc.gov and from the FTC’s Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. Call toll-free: 1-877-FTC-HELP.

(FYI 9.2011.wpd)