‘New dynamics at play’: Jack Daniel’s maker ends DEI initiatives

Brown-Forman Corp. cited a shifting legal and external landscape for its decision, as one prominent anti-DEI activist claimed credit for putting pressure on the company.

US clean energy jobs grew 4.2% in 2023: DOE

The U.S. added clean energy jobs at more than twice the rate of the broader economy, according to the Department of Energy.

Friend or foe: Unpacking what the amicus briefs say about the SEC’s climate rule

Amicus briefs in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s ongoing lawsuit concerning its climate disclosure rule find institutional investors and businesses largely on opposite sides.

Meta inks geothermal deal for data centers

Meta’s deal with Sage Geosystems will provide up to 150 megawatts and be the first use of next-gen geothermal east of the Rocky Mountains.

Low-carbon materials a ‘huge opportunity’ to green the transportation sector

The Department of Transportation is releasing $800 million to reimburse builders for using cleaner construction products, Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt said

Hawaii $4B fire settlement would prevent insurers’ clawback claims

A deal to resolve hundreds of lawsuits from the devastating 2023 Maui fires could collapse without a resolution on insurers’ recoupment rights against defendants.

Deer Park water owner has microplastics greenwashing suit dismissed

Earlier this month, a federal judge ruled that the class-action complaint against BlueTriton was preempted by federal law, but the plaintiffs recently amended their complaint.

Global packaging giant Amcor releases decarbonization road map

Redesigning packaging to weigh less, use fewer materials and incorporate lower-carbon materials is part of the company’s efforts to reach SBTi-validated 2033 emissions reduction targets.

DOE doles out another $50M to support EV manufacturing

The Biden-Harris administration said the funding will go to six states with “significant automotive workforces” to help suppliers adapt their facilities.

ESG leadership increasingly leaning on in-house legal teams: report

As regulatory and litigation pressure weighs on companies, general counsels are taking a more active role in ESG strategies, per a recent survey conducted by Corporate Counsel and Morrison Foerster.

BlackRock hit with cease-and-desist by Indiana secretary of state

The Hoosier State alleged 54 counts of securities violations in what BlackRock called “a politically motivated attack.”

Shein reports 2 cases of child labor in its supply chain

The fast fashion giant discovered the cases last year, and suspended orders from the manufacturers pending “appropriate remediation.”

First national U.S. green bank launches with IRA funding

The Coalition for Green Capital said it’s open for business and seeking to build a U.S. network of green banks that will mobilize capital for clean energy.

Uber taps former Tesla exec to oversee sustainability strategy, shift to EVs

Rebecca Tinucci, previously Tesla’s head of charging, will oversee the ride-share giant’s transition to becoming an emissions-free mobility platform by 2040.

Coca-Cola ‘on track’ for packaging recyclability goal, ‘behind plan’ on recycled content target

In an environmental update, the beverage giant reported that progress on reusable packaging formats and recyclability was stagnant in 2023 while its rate of recycled PET use ticked up.

BlackRock’s support for E+S proposals whittles away in 2024 proxy season

The nation’s largest investment manager noted a rise in shareholder proposals focused on environmental and social matters and  anti-ESG filings.

World Bank raises $6.5B for pair of sustainable development bonds

The two transactions pulled in over 300 orders and attracted capital from a diverse investor group, including bank treasuries, central banks and asset managers.

Ford scraps electric SUV plans, delays next-generation truck

The automaker is taking a $400 million hit as it shifts its electrification strategy yet again.

Qnergy to expand methane conversion efforts to curb Utah’s emissions footprint

Amid super pollutant risks, Qnergy is working to scale its methane conversion toolset by working with municipalities and waste management firms, CEO Ory Zik told ESG Dive.

NASA launches greenhouse gas detection instrument

The Tanager-1 satellite aims to detect the source of methane and carbon dioxide emissions on Earth from space and provide “actionable data” to help reduce these emissions.

How to build social activism into your governance structure

Companies don’t have to retreat from activism to avoid backlash if they align their values with their business in a way that makes sense, a law professor says.

General Motors to lean on solar power for three assembly plants

The car manufacturer has signed a 15-year renewable power purchase agreement to support its operations at three assembly plants located in Michigan and Missouri.

Uber and BYD partner to introduce more EVs to global markets

The project aims to add 100,000 EVs to the ride-hailing platform.

SEC battles climate disclosure rule legal challenges

The agency faces nine petitions to the rule consolidated in the U.S. Eighth Circuit of Appeals, including suits collectively co-filed by 25 states.

Updated Aug. 20, 2024

​​Franklin Templeton, Sun Life subsidiaries join Climate Action 100+ exodus

The financial institutions’ withdrawals came after Goldman Sachs’ asset management arm announced it was leaving the climate action investor group.