New Mexico finalizes rules for clean fuel program, boosting biogas potential

Regulators approved the structure of New Mexico's Clean Transportation Fuel Program on Thursday. It will be the fourth state clean fuel program in the country when it goes into effect on April 1.

By Jacob Wallace • Jan. 30, 2026

Keeping tabs on the state of ESG in 2026

A closer look at some of the biggest trends impacting the ESG space this year, from how companies talk about sustainability to their plans on navigating a complex disclosure landscape.

By Zoya Mirza , Lamar Johnson • Jan. 29, 2026

Companies face fragmented climate risk disclosure landscape in 2026

After the U.S. and European Union signaled an end to a growing regulatory consensus in 2025, businesses are bracing for a more complex environment this year.

By Lamar Johnson • Jan. 29, 2026

With Vineyard Wind ruling, four of five offshore wind projects win relief from Trump freeze

Project developers said despite their outreach, the government “refused to discuss the supposedly new information about national security impacts” cited as the reason for halting construction, or what they might do to mitigate them.

By Diana DiGangi • Jan. 29, 2026

GHG Protocol proposal risks slowing clean energy expansion

Proposed changes to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol would make it more difficult for companies to report renewables use and could discourage procurement, according Lesley Hunter and Jeffrey Gorham of the American Council on Renewable Energy.

By Lesley Hunter and Jeffrey Gorham • Jan. 28, 2026

Target, Best Buy CEOs sign letter calling for ‘deescalation of tensions’ in Minnesota

Michael Fiddelke joined about 60 other CEOs, including Best Buy's Corie Barry, in signing a letter about "recent challenges" in the state.

By Dani James • Jan. 27, 2026

New Jersey governor orders state to accelerate solar, storage and virtual power plants

Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who was sworn in Tuesday, also ordered regulators to study how to “modernize” the traditional electric utility business model, including by making utility profits “less dependent on capital spending.”

By Robert Walton • Jan. 27, 2026

Lawsuits target EPA rollback of coal plant water pollution standards

The plants need flexibility to meet rising electricity demand, the EPA says. Environmental groups argue that undermines Clean Water Act protections for rivers and drinking water sources.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Jan. 26, 2026

US solar manufacturing momentum affected by shifting tax credits

The U.S. can now produce every major component of the solar and storage supply chain, with multiple facilities opening in recent years. Yet conflicting political priorities and federal policies are creating headwinds for the sector.

By Michelle No • Updated Jan. 26, 2026

1 year into Trump 2.0, HR professionals are ‘caught in the middle’ of the DEI debate

As the White House and EEOC solidify their anti-DEI stances, here are a few things HR can keep in mind.

By Caroline Colvin • Jan. 22, 2026

New York Gov. Hochul expands state’s nuclear aspirations to 8-GW fleet

On Tuesday, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul called for adding 5 gigawatts of nuclear capacity to the state’s 3.4-GW fleet. The state’s new energy plan cast nuclear as key to its reliability and decarbonization goals. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 16, 2026

SEC director backs investment advisers using AI for proxy voting

The agency’s Investment Management Division Director Brian Daly called a scenario where agentic artificial intelligence is utilized to give proxy voting advice “a near-term reality.”

By Lamar Johnson • Jan. 12, 2026

Rooftop solar is booming, but not in the communities that need it most

Prioritize community-led promotions and education strategies to have far-reaching impacts, writes Planno CEO Daniel Domingues.

By Daniel Domingues • Jan. 9, 2026

4 trends that will shape ESG in 2026

After an eventful 2025, the next year holds further regulatory changes and a growing disclosure landscape, as companies quiet on sustainability talks.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Jan. 8, 2026

New Jersey court upholds key environmental justice law

Recyclers argued the state's Department of Environmental Protection overstepped its authority and blocked business operations. But an appeals court said DEP appropriately applied the EJ law.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 8, 2026

Mercedes settles emissions-cheating lawsuits for nearly $150M

The total value of the multi-state settlement could reach $347 million, according to one state attorney general.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 23, 2025

Trump administration halts all large-scale offshore wind projects under construction in US

The action affects five major offshore wind farms under development in federal waters, including the 2.6-gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind. The administration cited classified “national security risks” for the move.

By Diana DiGangi • Dec. 23, 2025

Anti-DEI legal group asks EEOC to investigate Penguin Random House

While it is not clear that any previous appeal to EEOC has resulted in action from the agency, shifting priorities under the Trump administration may result in a different outcome.

By Emilie Shumway • Dec. 22, 2025

Court agrees to rehear $14B climate funding freeze case

The nonprofit recipients of $14 billion in Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grants frozen by the EPA are scheduled to have their case reheard by the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in February. 

By Diana DiGangi • Dec. 22, 2025

EU Parliament approves pact to alter sustainability reporting laws

The bloc now awaits final approval from the European Council to substantially simplify the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 17, 2025

Trump issues EO targeting proxy advisers, including ISS, Glass Lewis

The order is directed at the SEC, FTC and DOL with the aim of stymieing the reach of the two proxy advisers, particularly on ESG and DEI-related issues.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 15, 2025

Starbucks’ ‘illegal race-based’ DEI at center of Florida AG’s lawsuit

Starbucks said its hiring practices are “inclusive, fair and competitive, and designed to ensure the strongest candidate for every job, every time.”

By Caroline Colvin • Dec. 15, 2025

New York targets power sector carbon allowances in proposed climate regulations

The amendments would reduce the annual budget of CO2 allowances through 2037, including the number of voluntary renewable energy purchases. 

By Diana DiGangi • Dec. 11, 2025

Trump administration illegally fired workers for real or perceived DEI roles, lawsuit alleges

The president’s “anti-DEI”-related directives allegedly “were targeted actions intended to punish perceived political enemies.”

By Ginger Christ • Dec. 11, 2025

CARB releases draft text for California’s climate disclosure regulations

The proposed text of the rules comes before the holiday season, and the agency expects a hearing on final adoption of SB 253 and 261 in late February.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 10, 2025