Federal judge blocks parts of Trump’s private-sector DEI order

The White House’s enforcement threat against private-sector DEI programs is “textbook viewpoint-based discrimination,” according to the Feb. 21 decision.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 27, 2025

Apple shareholders emphatically reject anti-DEI proposal

More than 97% of voting shareholders dismissed the proposal by a conservative think tank asking Apple to “cease DEI efforts” at its annual meeting.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 26, 2025

Ikea revises zero emission delivery goal, lowers ambition

The global furniture retailer said it was revising a goal to use zero emission vehicles for home deliveries by 2025 and now aiming to reach 90% of this target by 2028.

By Zoya Mirza • Feb. 26, 2025

Morgan Stanley, Capital One downplay DEI efforts

A Morgan Stanley filing highlights its proportion of women and ethnically diverse employees but contains a statement on “meritocracy.” Meanwhile, Capital One isn't touting pay equity like it used to.

By Dan Ennis • Feb. 26, 2025

SEC updates guidance on ESG engagement disclosures, prompts temporary confusion

BlackRock and Vanguard, the nation’s largest asset managers, temporarily paused shareholder engagement meetings after a recent update to agency guidance.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 25, 2025

Asset owners demand greater transparency on ESG amid increased scrutiny: Cerulli

Pressure from regulators and stakeholders is driving a demand for accountability, but reporting standardization hurdles persist, analysts from the research firm said.

By Suman Bhattacharyya • Feb. 25, 2025

Citi tosses diversity goals, DEI label

The lender is scrapping “aspirational representation goals” and diverse job candidate requirements, as more companies abandon diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

By Caitlin Mullen • Feb. 25, 2025

Recent DEI shifts represent an ‘evolution’ of the practice: Bridge

Companies should understand the opportunities DEI programs present before assessing risk mitigation needs amid increased scrutiny, counsels DEI trade group CEO Sheryl Daija.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 24, 2025

Starbucks’ DEI policies labeled ‘discriminatory’ in Missouri AG’s lawsuit

A spokesperson for the coffee chain denied the claim and said the company’s hiring and benefits programs are “open to everyone and lawful.”

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 24, 2025

Trump’s tariffs could raise onshore wind turbine costs by 7%, slow development: WoodMac

Wind generation deployments could be reduced by nearly a third by the end of this decade due to the tariffs, according to a Wood Mackenzie analyst.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 21, 2025

HSBC delays net-zero emissions goal by 20 years

The U.K.-based bank said it was “revising [its] ambition” and delaying its target of hitting net-zero across its operations, business travel and supply chain from 2030 to 2050.

By Zoya Mirza • Feb. 20, 2025

Banks back away from DEI mentions

JPMorgan Chase, Citizens and Huntington have reduced or eliminated their references to diversity, equity and inclusion amid a White House crackdown, according to the banks’ latest annual filings.

By Caitlin Mullen • Feb. 20, 2025

Dems ask SEC, DOL to not issue anti-ESG rules: Exclusive

A coalition of 17 blue state finance officials sent a letter to the agencies to counter prior assertions made by their Republican colleagues.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 20, 2025

CSDDD is a ‘non-tariff barrier’ for US companies: House Financial Services Chair

Rep. French Hill said during a webinar that the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive will create costly barriers for U.S. corporations to do business in and engage with the bloc. 

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 19, 2025

Climate change should be incorporated into ‘daily decision-making’: JPMorgan

“Understanding climate risk is important for staying ahead in the financial landscape,” JPMorgan’s chief risk officer and global head of corporate advisory wrote in a new report.

By Zoya Mirza • Feb. 19, 2025

Manufacturers’ 2025 sustainability priorities

Companies are sticking with their long-term emissions goals and strategies amid changing federal regulations.

By Michelle No • Feb. 19, 2025

Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro sues Trump admin over IRA funding freeze

The state’s agencies have limited access to over $3.1 billion in funding for activities including distributed solar deployment, well plugging and weatherization, according to the lawsuit.

By Diana DiGangi • Feb. 18, 2025

Comcast-NBCUniversal faces FCC probe over ‘invidious’ DEI policies

The agency’s new chairman says he’s concerned the cable TV, network and theme park operator continues to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

By Justin Bachman • Feb. 18, 2025

The SEC has requested to delay climate rule arguments. What’s next?

Sustainable investing experts are not surprised by the delay and say it is expected to have minimal immediate impact.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 13, 2025

Sustainability is a lasting fashion statement

Brands can build consumer trust and increase shareholder value by considering ESG impacts, writes Marco Valverde, apparel national practice leader at Moss Adams.

By Marco Valverde • Feb. 13, 2025

Accenture rolls back DEI goals to comply with Trump’s EOs

CEO Julie Sweet said the company would end its employee diversity representation goals and put “a greater focus on inclusion and a sense of belonging for all,” in an internal memo.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 12, 2025

Former EEOC commissioner weighs in on feds targeting private sector DEI

Chai Feldblum said employers may consider framing their programs on inclusion and preventing discrimination, but she also expressed confusion over some of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s enforcement priorities.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 12, 2025

Acting SEC chair asks court not to schedule climate rule arguments

“The Commission’s briefs previously submitted in the cases consolidated in the Eighth Circuit do not reflect my views,” Acting Chair Mark Uyeda said.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 11, 2025

HSBC taps global banking executive for chief sustainability officer role

Julian Wentzel — previously HSBC’s head of global banking for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey — becomes sustainability chief after serving as interim CSO.

By Zoya Mirza • Feb. 11, 2025

EPA funding freeze endangers $7B Solar For All program

“We don't know how much money got out the door, we don't know how much money the administration can seek to claw back,” said Vote Solar’s executive director, Sachu Constantine.

By Diana DiGangi • Feb. 11, 2025