The Latest

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  Policy, tax uncertainty holding back US clean energy development

  Clean energy policy experts gathered at DC Climate Week said that the current uncertainty around the U.S. tax and tariff environment is inhibiting the market.

  Sustainability

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  Federal appeals court temporarily pauses litigation on Biden-era DOL ESG rule

  The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 30-day pause in the case, but noted that it “will not permit an open-ended abeyance.”

  Sustainability

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  Clothing prioritized in European Commission’s sustainable products plan

  Beginning in 2025, a five-year plan will outline new requirements for the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

  Sustainability

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  DC Climate Week opens with calls to innovate approach to sustainability

  Over 3,500 attendees have gathered in the nation’s capital this week to talk about innovation in climate tech, boosting green financing and more.

  Sustainability

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  Chipmaker TSMC looks to reach net-zero emissions by 2050

  The semiconductor manufacturing company is pushing to reach peak emissions this year as part of its sustainability pledge. 

  Sustainability

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  Nestlé changes how it reports nutritional value of food after criticism

  Investor coalition ShareAction has called on the DiGiorno and Nespresso manufacturer to improve the health content of its food and beverage portfolio.

  Social Responsibility

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  State of the Labor Dept. 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 May 1, 2025

  Sustainability

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  FASB’s draft rules could harm environmental credit markets: Environmental Defense Fund

  The Financial Accounting Standards Board is proposing specific accounting standards for carbon offsets and other climate-related credits and obligations, sparking concern from environmental groups.

  Sustainability

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  ISSB proposes easing corporate scope 3 reporting requirements

  The global standard setter has suggested changes to its IFRS S2 framework aimed at providing companies relief from reporting scope 3 emissions related to certain financial activities.

  Corporate Governance

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  DOT repeals highway GHG emissions reporting rule

  The Biden-era rule, which required states and metropolitan planning organizations to monitor and set targets to reduce CO2 emissions, faced political opposition and lawsuits.

  Sustainability

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  Renewable energy advocates see threats from Texas legislation

  SB 819 would “represent a significant change to renewables development,” with new siting requirements for wind and solar, said law firm Vinson & Elkins.

  Sustainability

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  Nestlé and Ofi combat cocoa deforestation with regenerative agriculture program

  The chocolate giant and ingredients processor plan to plant nearly 3 million trees in growing regions and track its carbon footprint using AI tools.

  Sustainability

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  More anti-DEI shareholder proposals fail at Goldman Sachs, Levi’s

  Proposals aimed at overturning or altering companies’ DEI practices have been unpopular with shareholders. Submissions to the financial institution and clothing company received less than 2% support.

  Social Responsibility

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  NYC pension funds to drop asset managers lacking solid net-zero plans: comptroller

  “Our new standards demand that the retirement systems’ managers strengthen their net zero plans consistent with their fiduciary duty — or we will find new asset managers who will,” Brad Lander said.

  Sustainability

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  Clean energy manufacturers cancel projects as Trump-era policies take hold

  Companies canceled, closed or downsized nearly $8 billion in projects in Q1.

  Sustainability

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  Amid DEI uncertainty, what happens to pay equity?

  “Regardless of the changes in the federal DEI policies, the law still stands that you should be paying people equally,” a pay equity strategist said.

  Social Responsibility

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  Google signs first offshore wind deal in Asia Pacific region

  The deal with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners adds wind power to the search giant’s renewable energy portfolio in Taiwan, which was recently expanded to include geothermal energy.

  Sustainability

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  Climate advocates brace for Trump executive order targeting nonprofits’ tax exempt status

  Environmental groups are anticipating attempts to revoke their tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status, and some are vowing to fight any such attempts. 

  Sustainability

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  Companies should seek a DEI ‘refresh,’ not a reboot, says former top EEOC official

  Diversity, equity and inclusion programs do not pose legal risks when done right, said Chai Feldblum, who decried the idea that DEI is a “legal minefield.”

  Social Responsibility

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  New York state pension fund commits $2.4B to climate-focused investments

  The investment is part of the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s broader goal of allocating $40 billion to sustainable investments and climate solutions by 2035.

  Sustainability

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  Mastercard announces solar, geothermal projects for its facilities

  The payments company will build a solar panel array to power its tech hub in Missouri and replace its natural gas cooling and heating system with geothermal at its New York HQ.

  Sustainability

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  Labor Dept. considers rescinding Biden-era ESG fiduciary rule

  The agency asked for a suspension of litigation in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, as it considers whether to get rid of the rule allowing pension funds to consider ESG factors.

  Sustainability

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  Mondelēz sustainability report shows challenges in lowering virgin plastic

  The snack foods manufacturer detailed gaps between its 2024 virgin and recycled plastic trends and its 2025 targets in an annual report.

  Sustainability

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  Solar advocates lobby on strong fundamentals amid political uncertainty

  As Congress weighs tax incentive cuts, and tariffs drive up materials prices, the solar industry is emphasizing the technology’s low cost and fast deployment speed.

  Sustainability

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  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.

  Sustainability

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