SEC’s updated shareholder proposal rules could exclude E+S submissions: Atkins

SEC Chair Paul Atkins argued that non-binding submissions, like those focused on environmental and social issues, could be excludable under certain state laws.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 16, 2025

California delays rulemaking timeline for climate regulations to 2026

The California Air Resources Board announced the delay shortly after it published a draft reporting template for scope 1 and scope 2 emissions for entities under SB 253.

By Zoya Mirza • Updated 23 hours ago

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

Interior denies canceling largest solar project in US after axing review

A U.S. Department of the Interior spokesperson said the agency canceled a broad environmental review grouping together seven individual projects that make up the 6.2-gigawatt Esmeralda 7 project, but could review each one individually.

By Diana DiGangi • Oct. 15, 2025

EV incentives dry up, costs stay high

Analysts say hybrid and plug-in hybrid growth will help offset declining pure-EV sales, giving dealers time to recoup charging and training investments.

By Alysha Webb • Oct. 14, 2025

Amid policy pressures, clean energy investment is diversifying: Crux

Data from the first half of this year shows clean energy investment continuing to increase, but changing in shape, said Crux CEO Alfred Johnson.

By Diana DiGangi • Oct. 14, 2025

Climate Week NYC 2025: Perspectives on prioritizing sustainability in a politicized environment

As federal climate policy has largely reversed, more than 900 events were held at the annual summit to discuss the latest trends and innovations in climate and corporate sustainability.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Oct. 10, 2025

Keeping track of California’s climate disclosure laws as 2026 deadlines loom

As the California Air Resources Board finalizes regulations for Senate Bills 253 and 261, large companies in the state must prepare to disclose their climate risks and, potentially, emissions.

By Zoya Mirza , Lamar Johnson • Updated Oct. 15, 2025

EPA sued for terminating $7B Solar for All program

“Instead of distributing the Solar for All funds as Congress directed, Defendants hastily and unlawfully terminated” the program, the plaintiffs allege.

By Diana DiGangi • Oct. 8, 2025

Climate risk ‘cannot be about politics,’ say sustainable investors seeking bipartisan collaboration

Environmental nonprofit Ceres explored areas of common ground on climate risk and opportunity during New York City’s annual climate event.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 7, 2025

DEI in 2025: HR Certification Institute head on how to proceed

Even if company stakeholders are challenging the “DEI” acronym, employers can keep the spirit of equity and inclusion alive by focusing on “fairness” and “opportunity,” Amy Dufrane said.

By Caroline Colvin • Oct. 3, 2025

Government shutdown could delay clean energy guidance, permitting: Crux

With both political parties at an impasse, “it is difficult to forecast how long this [shutdown] will last,” the sustainable finance company said. Permits or grants could be delayed, Crux added.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 2, 2025

Conferences ESG and sustainability professionals should attend in 2026

After 2025’s regulatory turbulence, sustainability and ESG professionals will convene throughout 2026 to learn how to navigate the changing political and policy landscape.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Oct. 1, 2025

California’s landfill methane rule proposal tightens gas rules

The proposed rule would tighten restrictions for landfill gas collection and control systems and expand the role of remote monitoring programs.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 1, 2025

Lawmakers urge PJM to take steps so clean energy projects can meet tax credit deadlines

“Either we have a resource adequacy issue or we don't — and I believe we do — so we need to be getting all of this energy online as quickly as possible,” Maryland Delegate Lorig Charkoudian said.

By Ethan Howland • Sept. 30, 2025

‘Regional fragmentation’ confuses sustainability requirements, experts say

“I've never seen the pendulum swing so far and so fast as I have in the last year,” Boston Consulting Group Director Tim Mohin said at an event aligned with Climate Week NYC.

By Lamar Johnson • Sept. 29, 2025

Regulatory uncertainty slowing US electric vehicle adoption: report

While domestic EV purchases will grow, the elimination of incentives could deter buyers, per EY Mobility Lens Forecaster.

By Eric Walz • Sept. 29, 2025

California names companies expected to report emissions, climate risks

State regulators released a preliminary list of entities that may have to report under SB 253 and SB 261. Companies that have already completed TCFD reports could have a leg up.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 29, 2025

Philadelphia sues CPG companies over plastic bag recyclability claims

City leaders said many of the confusion and contamination issues with SC Johnson and Bimbo Bakeries’ Ziploc and plastic bread bags are what motivated the city to previously ban single-use retail bags.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 26, 2025

Chances of US passing a carbon border tariff law are ‘non-trivial,’ Dem. senator says

Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., have each introduced bills to implement a carbon border adjustment mechanism for the U.S., mirroring similar initiatives abroad.

By Lamar Johnson • Sept. 25, 2025

Manufacturers scrutinize supply chains for California scope 3 emissions disclosures

While federal regulations may be on hold, California is moving ahead with greenhouse gas reporting requirements. Manufacturers, including packaging companies, are digging deep into their data to get ready.

By Mary Catherine O’Connor • Sept. 22, 2025

Trump’s energy, climate policies could slash decarbonization pace up to 64%: report

An “incredibly dynamic policy environment and persistent non-cost barriers to clean energy deployment” make it hard to predict GHG reductions, according to Rhodium Group.

By Michael Brady • Sept. 22, 2025

Congressional Dems press DOL on women leaving the workforce

Democratic Women’s Caucus members said they were “deeply concerned,” and that “economic indicators suggest that this exodus of women from the labor force is not entirely voluntary.”

By Emilie Shumway • Sept. 19, 2025

Texas attorney general probes ISS, Glass Lewis over ESG, DEI

Ken Paxton’s probe follows a recent injunction on a Texas anti-ESG law targeting proxy advisory firms, but Texas is not the only state looking at the two firms’ ESG and DEI policies.

By Lamar Johnson • Updated Sept. 19, 2025

Wells Fargo execs settle suit over diverse hiring practices

The bank and shareholders expect to file a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement by Oct. 13, according to court documents.

By Caitlin Mullen • Sept. 18, 2025

Court approves $43M settlement in Disney gender pay discrimination case

Disney agreed to have an outside labor economist conduct a pay equity analysis of certain positions for the next three years.

By Ginger Christ • Sept. 17, 2025