SEC updates guidance on ESG engagement disclosures, prompts temporary confusion

BlackRock and Vanguard, the nation’s largest asset managers, temporarily paused shareholder engagement meetings after a recent update to agency guidance.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 25, 2025

Recent DEI shifts represent an ‘evolution’ of the practice: Bridge

Companies should understand the opportunities DEI programs present before assessing risk mitigation needs amid increased scrutiny, counsels DEI trade group CEO Sheryl Daija.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 24, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from ESG Dive

This year has shaped up to be a formative one for ESG, both on the regulatory and financial front, with the SEC’s climate disclosure rule and the battle over shareholder rights and proposal approvals.

By ESG Dive staff

Starbucks’ DEI policies labeled ‘discriminatory’ in Missouri AG’s lawsuit

A spokesperson for the coffee chain denied the claim and said the company’s hiring and benefits programs are “open to everyone and lawful.”

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 24, 2025

Trump’s tariffs could raise onshore wind turbine costs by 7%, slow development: WoodMac

Wind generation deployments could be reduced by nearly a third by the end of this decade due to the tariffs, according to a Wood Mackenzie analyst.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 21, 2025

Dems ask SEC, DOL to not issue anti-ESG rules: Exclusive

A coalition of 17 blue state finance officials sent a letter to the agencies to counter prior assertions made by their Republican colleagues.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 20, 2025

CSDDD is a ‘non-tariff barrier’ for US companies: House Financial Services Chair

Rep. French Hill said during a webinar that the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive will create costly barriers for U.S. corporations to do business in and engage with the bloc. 

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 19, 2025

Manufacturers’ 2025 sustainability priorities

Companies are sticking with their long-term emissions goals and strategies amid changing federal regulations.

By Michelle No • Feb. 19, 2025

Federal judge sides with Biden Labor Dept. on ESG fiduciary rule

A U.S. District judge for Northern Texas said the rule is still valid under Loper Bright and does not violate the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 18, 2025

Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro sues Trump admin over IRA funding freeze

The state’s agencies have limited access to over $3.1 billion in funding for activities including distributed solar deployment, well plugging and weatherization, according to the lawsuit.

By Diana DiGangi • Feb. 18, 2025

Comcast-NBCUniversal faces FCC probe over ‘invidious’ DEI policies

The agency’s new chairman says he’s concerned the cable TV, network and theme park operator continues to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

By Justin Bachman • Feb. 18, 2025

The SEC has requested to delay climate rule arguments. What’s next?

Sustainable investing experts are not surprised by the delay and say it is expected to have minimal immediate impact.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 13, 2025

Accenture rolls back DEI goals to comply with Trump’s EOs

CEO Julie Sweet said the company would end its employee diversity representation goals and put “a greater focus on inclusion and a sense of belonging for all,” in an internal memo.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 12, 2025

Former EEOC commissioner weighs in on feds targeting private sector DEI

Chai Feldblum said employers may consider framing their programs on inclusion and preventing discrimination, but she also expressed confusion over some of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s enforcement priorities.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 12, 2025

Acting SEC chair asks court not to schedule climate rule arguments

“The Commission’s briefs previously submitted in the cases consolidated in the Eighth Circuit do not reflect my views,” Acting Chair Mark Uyeda said.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 11, 2025

EPA funding freeze endangers $7B Solar For All program

“We don't know how much money got out the door, we don't know how much money the administration can seek to claw back,” said Vote Solar’s executive director, Sachu Constantine.

By Diana DiGangi • Feb. 11, 2025

US state legislatures take aim at fashion’s sustainability and safety concerns

The new regulations are designed to protect workers, consumers and the environment, but there are still hurdles to face between passing the bills and implementing them.

By Siera Nezaj • Feb. 10, 2025

Google moves away from aspirational diversity hiring goals

This move is on par with what attorneys have been recommending in a tense political landscape around DEI and compliance.

By Caroline Colvin • Feb. 10, 2025

Clean energy stakeholders descend on Capitol to lobby for IRA tax credits

Groups participating in the lobbying blitz in Washington, D.C. represent over 2,000 companies and hundreds of billions of dollars in private investment, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

By Diana DiGangi • Feb. 6, 2025

New York reintroduces bills seeking climate risk, emissions disclosures

Senate Bills 3456 and 3697, if approved, would mandate climate-related disclosures from large companies operating in the Empire State as early as 2027.

By Zoya Mirza • Feb. 6, 2025

Meta’s HR changes reflect widely touted aspirational approach to DEI

Eliminating hard inclusivity goals won’t protect against reverse discrimination complaints but it will help, legal specialists say.

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 4, 2025

Republican officials urge SEC, DOL to adopt anti-ESG, DEI rules

The letter signed by 22 Republican state finance officials cited American Airlines’ recent legal loss as evidence that fiduciaries are breaching their duty to loyalty with regards to ESG and DEI.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 3, 2025

Trump’s executive orders cause hesitation, confusion for clean energy developers

“There are daily developments, and I think people are just doing the best they can with the limited information we have at the moment,” said Felisa Sanchez, a partner with law firm K&L Gates.

By Diana DiGangi • Feb. 3, 2025

Developments driving the ESG, sustainability industry in 2025

The change in U.S. presidential leadership has triggered drawbacks of ESG and DEI commitments, as the private sector braces for a change in political direction.

By Zoya Mirza , Lamar Johnson • Jan. 31, 2025

Zeldin is confirmed as the new EPA administrator. What’s next?

The former New York representative will helm the agency as it navigates executive orders pausing climate programs and reviews pending regulations that could affect the waste and recycling industries.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace • Updated Jan. 30, 2025

Trump pauses renewable projects leasing on federal lands, waters

The Department of the Interior issued the order on Donald Trump’s first day in office, though just a small portion of the nation’s renewable energy capacity is located on government land.

By Lamar Johnson • Jan. 29, 2025