ESG promises won’t help win antitrust approval, says FTC Chair

Non-statutory commitments, even those advancing social justice goals, will always be rejected as outside the bounds of the law, FTC Chair Lina Khan said in remarks.

Election results bring potential social implications for Ohio corporations

The support for reproductive rights could have companies such as Kroger and Procter & Gamble, which are headquartered in the Buckeye State, evaluating their corporate social policies.

Democrats take control of Virginia legislature, clouding governor’s climate, abortion plans

The election results mean stricter emission standards enacted two years ago will be the guidepost for Virginia-based auto manufacturers beginning in 2025 and more abortion protections could be on the way for all state employers.

SEC commissioner suggests ‘re-proposing’ climate risk disclosure rule

Some investors seek broader company disclosures with the aim of promoting social change rather than clarifying stock valuations, SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda said.

House Republicans argue Labor Department ESG rule runs afoul of tax code

The Committee on Ways and Means’ majority raised objections to the Biden administration rule and called it a tactic to “use retirement savings to finance a political agenda.”

Gender-balanced workforces outperform rivals: BlackRock

A new study from the world’s largest asset manager found increasing the gender diversity of a workforce and investing in women leads to economic gains.

Texas voters approve $10B energy fund, with most going to build gas-fired power plants

The fund could allocate up to $7.2 billion for new construction or upgrades of dispatchable power generation. However, opponents called it a giveaway to fossil fuel developers.

How tech, venture capital can help food industry meet 2030 emissions goals

Efforts like feed additives for cattle and implementing solar panels on farms can help producers decrease their carbon footprint, Ceres said in its latest report.

Conservative group takes aim at DEI policies of 3 major airlines

America First Legal alleged that American, United and Southwest Airlines engage in “overtly” discriminatory practices in their diversity hiring and retention programs for women and people of color.

The ‘less tangible’ social data in ESG creates reporting hurdles

Social issues have historically fallen behind environmental and governance factors, a setback experts attribute to the ambiguity of what the “S” really encompasses.

Apple makes strides towards reaching 2030 carbon neutrality goal in Q4

CEO Tim Cook said 300 suppliers have agreed to use 100% clean energy for the company’s manufacturing by 2030, when Apple plans to make all its products carbon neutral.

Credit union regulator proposes rule loosening hiring restrictions

The National Credit Union Administration Board aims to expand career opportunities for individuals convicted of certain minor offenses and advance financial inclusion and equity within the credit union system.

Texas Comptroller adds 5 companies to divestment list for fossil fuel stance

The additions are part of a growing list of names drawn by the Lone Star state, which now mentions more than 350 investment funds and 15 companies, including BlackRock, BNP Paribas and UBS.

House Judiciary subpoenas ESG, net-zero advocates alleging antitrust violations

Chair Jim Jordan subpoenaed financial coalition GFANZ and advocacy group As You Sow, whose CEO called the warrant “unfounded” and said the underlying allegations are “twisting the facts.” 

Few companies on track to meet water sustainability targets: Ceres

The sustainability nonprofit evaluated 72 companies from water-intensive industries, including PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Kellogg and Kraft Heinz.

After years of confusion, global ESG reporting frameworks are coalescing

While the global reporting community has yet to fully adopt the International Sustainability Standards Board’s standards, they are building momentum as a reporting baseline.

Estée Lauder says it has hit global pay equity target in select sectors

The beauty and fragrance brand also said it has reached carbon neutrality for scope 1 and scope 2 emissions for the fourth consecutive year during an earnings call.

Bain-backed data infrastructure tool ESG Flo bags $5.25M

The AI-powered platform maker, the first venture from Bain’s Founder’s Studio, said it will use the funding to provide solutions for Europe’s sustainability reporting law and an upcoming SEC climate disclosure rule.

New Balance, Reformation among brands launching sustainable footwear collective

The group’s proposed solution is to collectively minimize waste, reduce emissions and bring a circular approach to the footwear industry.

Most organizations lack a fully established ESG reporting framework: report

Heightened scrutiny around environmental, social and governance issues is impacting a company’s operations on every front, including its lease management, according to a study from Visual Lease.

Apple, Nike and others back new clean energy project to decarbonize supply chains

The Clean Energy Procurement Academy, whose founding members also include Amazon, Meta and PepsiCo, aims to boost clean energy procurement and curb emissions.

New regulations seek to expose fashion greenwashers’ true colors

In Europe, governments plan to prohibit fashion companies and other industries from making vague or misleading environmental claims, and the U.S. could soon do the same.

Bloomberg launches AI tool to help businesses navigate climate risks

The tool, launched in partnership with Riskthinking.AI, will give businesses predictive exposure data under all of the IPCC’s climate scenarios.

TD buys carbon removal credits

Over four years, TD said it will purchase 27,500 metric tons of direct-air-capture carbon dioxide removal credits from Occidental Petroleum. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

COP28 president, energy groups urge governments to triple renewable power by 2030

A joint report released ahead of the summit outlines key steps economies can take to transition to a clean energy system and get back on track to reach the 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal.