Labor Dept. defends ESG rule in a post-Chevron landscape

An ongoing challenge to a rule allowing pension fund managers to consider ESG factors stands as a litmus test under a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Updated April 22, 2025

Apple surpasses 60% reduction in global emissions, moves closer to 2030 climate goal

The progress builds towards the iPhone maker’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by the end of the decade.

EPA granted appellate stay after judge rules to end GGRF funding freeze

A judge ruled Tuesday to end the freeze and allow grantees to access their funding, but appellate judges granted EPA a stay on that injunction late Wednesday. 

Ex-Accenture worker says company denied him promotions to hit DEI goals

With DEI drawing more scrutiny, attorneys have advised companies to review their policies and ensure they are free of quotas, set asides and preferences.

Energy regulator grants BlackRock renewed authorization for large utility investments

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave the nation’s largest asset manager approval to continue to acquire up to 20% of voting securities for utility companies for another three years.

Trump administration ordered to resume IRA funding

A federal judge’s decision, which stated agencies lacked authority to pause funding, follows the president’s executive order to freeze the money on his first day in office. 

SEC approves first US ‘green’ stock exchange

The Securities and Exchange Commission gave final approval for Green Impact Exchange to open the first national exchange for sustainability offerings, with trading set to begin in 2026.

General Motors taps Dell sustainability head to become new CSO

Cassandra Garber will lead the automotive giant’s sustainability efforts and ESG practices starting April 22, which coincides with Earth Day.

Target CEO, Rev. Al Sharpton meet following DEI changes

The civil rights activist said he is mulling a boycott of the mass merchant, which scaled back its diversity programs in January.

Lego removes DEI mentions from latest ESG report

A webpage touting Lego’s “diverse and inclusive workplace” remains on the company’s site.

Microsoft signs pair of large-scale carbon removal deals with CO280, Terradot

The tech giant will purchase 3.685 million tonnes of removal credits through paper mill retrofits, and 12,000 tonnes of credits through enhanced rock weathering.

Occidental subsidiary secures final permit from EPA to sequester CO2 in Texas

Oxy Low Carbon Ventures’ proposed project includes three wells that aim to store 722,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually in Ector County.

NZBA scraps requirement for banks to strictly target a 1.5°C warming scenario

The United Nations’ Net-Zero Banking Alliance has updated its guidelines in the wake of departures, with its latest guidance aiming for global warming “well below 2°C.”

4 big law firms agree not to label lawful programs as DEI, EEOC says

The announcement follows Acting Chair Andrea Lucas’ move last month to investigate several law firms’ diversity, equity and inclusion programs.