IRS finalizes direct pay rules, increasing access to IRA’s clean energy tax credits

Direct-pay-eligible entities like local governments, public school districts, churches and hospitals will more easily be able to jointly invest in clean energy projects under rules released Tuesday.

By Diana DiGangi • Nov. 20, 2024

Vanguard’s updated investor proxy choice program includes anti-ESG voting option

Three new funds have been added to the program, and the firm also included an option for investors who want a “wealth-focused,” anti-ESG voting policy option.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 19, 2024

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

JPMorgan unveils green financing ratio following shareholder proposal

The bank said it spent $1.29 on green solutions for every dollar spent on high-carbon activities in the disclosure prompted by a proposal submitted by NYC Comptroller Brad Lander.

By Lamar Johnson • Updated Nov. 18, 2024

New tool aims to bridge gap between organizations’ sustainability targets and outcomes

The U.S. Green Building Council's digital platform intends to help organizations meet reporting requirements and sustainability goals related to emissions, energy, water and waste.

By Nish Amarnath • Nov. 18, 2024

Trump picks oil services CEO Chris Wright to lead Energy Department, alarming climate groups

Wright is the CEO of Liberty Energy, which is engaged in lawsuits over the Labor Department's ESG rule and the Securities and Exchange Commission's climate-risk disclosure rule.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 18, 2024

The power of automation in sustainability: How AFL transformed energy management

AFL set out on a quest to streamline their processes and boost their sustainability efforts. Their search led them to EnergyCAP, and now they anticipate $304K in year one savings.

Nov. 18, 2024

American Petroleum Institute gives Trump a deregulatory policy wishlist

The organization seeks to have a number of Biden era regulations that focus on increasing electric vehicle adoption and slowing natural gas exports rescinded.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 15, 2024

New York City Employees’ Retirement System joins NZAOA

NYCERS joins the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance’s other 88 members that collectively represent $9.5 trillion in assets under management.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 15, 2024

Clorox prioritizes supplier decarbonization efforts

The cleaning product manufacturer is partnering with carbon tracking service Manufacture 2030 to gain visibility into its vendors’ emission reduction plans.

By Kelly Stroh • Nov. 15, 2024

Only 16% of global companies on track for 2050 net-zero goals: Accenture

“The fact that so few of the G2000 companies are on track to reach net-zero emissions is alarming,” the director of shareholder advocacy at Trillium Asset Management told ESG Dive.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 14, 2024

COP29 negotiators approve Article 6.4, establish standards for global carbon market

The approval of the standards was called a “critical step” toward future climate negotiations at COP29 by the summit’s lead negotiator, Yalchin Rafiyev.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 14, 2024

Trump win is ‘setback’ for climate protection, but clean energy advocates say progress will continue

Trump’s victory means a Republican will be selected to lead FERC, which will likely work to rein in transmission incentives, said Tyson Slocum, director of Public Citizen's Energy Program.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 14, 2024

What COP29 entails for the global energy transition, business priorities

COP29 will be a “critical moment” in the global climate transition, further shaping the ESG landscape and motivating companies to ramp up sustainability initiatives, says Workiva’s chief sustainability officer.

By Mandi McReynolds • Nov. 13, 2024

ExxonMobil urges Trump not to withdraw from Paris Agreement again

“A second U.S. exit from the Paris Climate Agreement will have profound implications for the United States’ efforts to reduce its own emissions,” an Exxon spokesperson told ESG Dive.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 13, 2024

California biofuel restrictions limit farms’ role in renewable energy transition

New changes to the state's low carbon fuel standard cap incentives for soybean oil in renewable diesel and give a timeline to phase out subsidies for dairy methane digesters.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 13, 2024

California’s climate disclosure laws survive first legal challenge

A federal judge denied a motion for summary judgment from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which alleged the state’s climate bills — SB 253 and SB 261 — violated the First Amendment.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 12, 2024

Trump taps former Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead EPA

The Trump administration will likely roll back EPA regulations affecting fossil-fuel power plants, including a carbon emissions rule, according to Michelle Bloodworth, president and CEO of America’s Power.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 12, 2024

SEC charges Invesco $17.5M for misleading ESG statements

“Companies should be straightforward with their clients and investors rather than seeking to capitalize on investing trends and buzzwords,” the acting head of SEC enforcement said.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 11, 2024

Increasing sustainability and inclusivity top of mind for COP29, says summit’s chief operating officer

The Chief Operating Officer for COP29 details steps the summit’s planning committee has taken to cut emissions and ramp up accessibility at the Baku venue.

By Narmin Jarchalova • Nov. 11, 2024

Mercedes-Benz seeks circularity with new battery recycling plant

The facility in Germany will help the automaker turn “today’s batteries into tomorrow’s sustainable mine for raw materials,” one board member said.

By Eric Walz • Nov. 11, 2024

Why Vycarb is focused on capturing carbon dioxide from the East River

The startup launched a novel pilot in New York City last month, and will look to remove 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year from its saltwater tidal strait.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 8, 2024

Small beef production cuts in wealthier nations could remove years of carbon emissions: report

Eliminating as little as 13% of total production could remove the same amount of total greenhouse gasses emitted over the past three years.

By Nathan Owens • Nov. 8, 2024

Analysts see ‘a real fear in the market’ as renewable energy stocks plummet on election results

Tariffs and other policy actions favored by Trump could drive renewable energy prices higher over the next four years, industry analysts say.

By Emma Penrod • Nov. 8, 2024

Clean energy, sustainable investors brace for second Trump presidency

Experts expect private sector work on ESG issues and the clean energy transition to continue, albeit at a slower pace, under a reelected Donald Trump.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 7, 2024

The ESG, climate rules at stake under a second Trump term

Several climate and ESG-related regulations at the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Labor are likely headed for the chopping block come January.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 7, 2024