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.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2023

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.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 7, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from ESG Dive

This year has shaped up to be a formative one for ESG, from the U.S. pulling out of major climate agreements to federal agencies recalibrating their approach to sustainability under the new administration.

By ESG Dive staff

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.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 6, 2023

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.” 

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 3, 2023

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.

By Lauren Schenkman • Nov. 1, 2023

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.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 1, 2023

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.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 31, 2023

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.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 31, 2023

Arkansas lawmakers urged to defund DEI programs

Diversity, equity and inclusion perpetuates racial discrimination and “feelings of disenfranchisement” and “animosity,” according to a witness who testified in front of the Arkansas State Legislature last week.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 30, 2023

Republican AGs continue fight against Biden ESG rule

A coalition of 26 state attorneys general said it is willing to fight the Labor Department rule allowing ESG considerations for employee retirement plan managers all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 30, 2023

Gensler says SEC aims to avoid overreach on climate risk rule

The SEC chief has come under fire for proposing that companies release data on greenhouse gas emissions by their suppliers and customers.

By Jim Tyson • Oct. 26, 2023

Amped-up ‘Break Free From Plastic’ legislation reintroduced in Congress

The Democrat-sponsored bill includes implications for packaging, such as federally established EPR and deposit return systems, bans on black plastic and polystyrene foam food service ware, support for reuse/refill and more.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 26, 2023

Trio of federal agencies update bank guidelines for financial climate risks

Bank regulators issued new guidance for how large institutions should handle climate risk and updated an anti-redlining law to assign them more responsibility for climate risks.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 26, 2023

Sustainable raw materials can’t meet future demand: report

While many fashion brands have pledged to reduce their climate impact, that won’t be feasible with the current supply chain, a new report says.

By Lauren Schenkman • Oct. 26, 2023

131 companies urge governments to accelerate decarbonization ahead of COP28

The coalition, which includes companies like Nestlé and eBay and represents nearly $1 trillion in annual revenue, is asking policymakers to end reliance on fossil fuels through regulations and clean-energy investments.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 24, 2023

7 ESG trends influencing corporate strategy

Developments in the ESG landscape directing investor decisions include the consolidation of reporting frameworks, the rise of AI and data metrics, social responsibility and impending regulation from the SEC.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Oct. 23, 2023

SEC drops ESG from exam priorities for 2024

The agency’s office responsible for promoting compliance and monitoring market risk no longer lists environmental, social and governance investing as a priority for next year.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 19, 2023

SEC investor panel pushes for increased workforce disclosures

The Investor Advisory Committee proposed a new rule to the agency that would require companies to disclose comprehensive labor data like compensation ranges and employment status.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 13, 2023

California bill requires VC firms to disclose investments’ diversity data

The new legislation mandates venture capital firms operating in California to release annual reports regarding the diversity of the founders they back.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 12, 2023

California Gov. Newsom signs 2 major climate disclosure bills but worries about ‘overall financial impact’

The two bills would require large companies to disclose their supply chain emissions and report on climate-related financial risks, but the governor raised concerns about the deadlines and the cost to businesses.  

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 10, 2023

DOJ files lawsuit against eBay for violating Clean Air Act

The online retailer is being accused of the sale of illegal aftermarket defeat devices, which increase auto pollution emissions and harm public health.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 29, 2023

75% of companies unprepared for coming ESG audits: KPMG

As regulators worldwide begin to mandate ESG disclosures, only 25% of companies are ready for audits of their reports, KPMG said.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 26, 2023

Apple backs California climate bill requiring large companies to disclose carbon footprint

Senate Bill 253 would require businesses operating in the Golden State that make over $1 billion to report their greenhouse gas emissions annually.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 14, 2023

Gensler says Scope 3 emissions flap delays final climate risk rule

Republican senators criticized Gensler for what they said is a burdensome and divisive regulatory agenda.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 12, 2023

Lego to invest $1.4B in sustainability as it pledges net-zero emissions by 2050

The Danish toy manufacturer plans to reduce its environmental impact by designing carbon neutral factories and producing more renewable energy.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 5, 2023