Legislation
The Growth of Natural Organic Reduction
The legalization of natural organic reduction has been gaining traction in the United States. Here is a chronological overview of the significant legislative milestones:
2020: Washington and Colorado
Washington State became the first to legalize NOR with the passage of Senate Bill 5001, signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee in May 2019. The law defines NOR as the "contained accelerated conversion of human remains to soil" and took effect on May 1, 2020.
Colorado became the second state to legalize NOR with Senate Bill 21-006, signed into law on May 10, 2021. This bill had been on the legislative agenda in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Oregon, Vermont and New York
Oregon legalized NOR in 2021 with House Bill 2574, signed by Governor Kate Brown on June 15, 2021. The law took effect on January 1, 2022, making Oregon the third state to adopt this practice.
Vermont legalized NOR in June 2022 with the passage of H.244, making it the fourth state to allow this method.
New York legalized NOR on December 30, 2022, with the signing of a bill that amended existing laws to include NOR as a permissible method for human remains disposal. This law took effect 90 days from the signing date.
2022: Pending Legislation
California joined the list with the signing of AB 351 by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 18, 2022. However, the regulations for the practice are to be developed and put into effect by 2027.
Several other states have introduced NOR legislation. For instance, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Minnesota are considering similar bills. Maryland and Delaware legalized NOR in May 2024, becoming the ninth and tenth states, respectively, to do so.
2024: The Birth of Renew
As the first NOR provider licensed by the Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery Board (OMCB), Renew marks a significant milestone in the adoption of environmentally friendly funeral practices across the Pacific Northwest.
The company exemplifies Oregon's commitment to providing sustainable alternatives to traditional burial and cremation, supporting the growing preference for green funeral options.