Amped-up ‘Break Free From Plastic’ legislation reintroduced in Congress

The Democrat-sponsored bill includes implications for packaging, such as federally established EPR and deposit return systems, bans on black plastic and polystyrene foam food service ware, support for reuse/refill and more.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 26, 2023

Trio of federal agencies update bank guidelines for financial climate risks

Bank regulators issued new guidance for how large institutions should handle climate risk and updated an anti-redlining law to assign them more responsibility for climate risks.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 26, 2023

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

Sustainable raw materials can’t meet future demand: report

While many fashion brands have pledged to reduce their climate impact, that won’t be feasible with the current supply chain, a new report says.

By Lauren Schenkman • Oct. 26, 2023

131 companies urge governments to accelerate decarbonization ahead of COP28

The coalition, which includes companies like Nestlé and eBay and represents nearly $1 trillion in annual revenue, is asking policymakers to end reliance on fossil fuels through regulations and clean-energy investments.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 24, 2023

7 ESG trends influencing corporate strategy

Developments in the ESG landscape directing investor decisions include the consolidation of reporting frameworks, the rise of AI and data metrics, social responsibility and impending regulation from the SEC.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Oct. 23, 2023

SEC drops ESG from exam priorities for 2024

The agency’s office responsible for promoting compliance and monitoring market risk no longer lists environmental, social and governance investing as a priority for next year.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 19, 2023

SEC investor panel pushes for increased workforce disclosures

The Investor Advisory Committee proposed a new rule to the agency that would require companies to disclose comprehensive labor data like compensation ranges and employment status.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 13, 2023

California bill requires VC firms to disclose investments’ diversity data

The new legislation mandates venture capital firms operating in California to release annual reports regarding the diversity of the founders they back.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 12, 2023

California Gov. Newsom signs 2 major climate disclosure bills but worries about ‘overall financial impact’

The two bills would require large companies to disclose their supply chain emissions and report on climate-related financial risks, but the governor raised concerns about the deadlines and the cost to businesses.  

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 10, 2023

DOJ files lawsuit against eBay for violating Clean Air Act

The online retailer is being accused of the sale of illegal aftermarket defeat devices, which increase auto pollution emissions and harm public health.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 29, 2023

75% of companies unprepared for coming ESG audits: KPMG

As regulators worldwide begin to mandate ESG disclosures, only 25% of companies are ready for audits of their reports, KPMG said.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 26, 2023

Apple backs California climate bill requiring large companies to disclose carbon footprint

Senate Bill 253 would require businesses operating in the Golden State that make over $1 billion to report their greenhouse gas emissions annually.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 14, 2023

Gensler says Scope 3 emissions flap delays final climate risk rule

Republican senators criticized Gensler for what they said is a burdensome and divisive regulatory agenda.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 12, 2023

Lego to invest $1.4B in sustainability as it pledges net-zero emissions by 2050

The Danish toy manufacturer plans to reduce its environmental impact by designing carbon neutral factories and producing more renewable energy.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 5, 2023

EPA enforcement priorities include new focus on landfill methane, PFAS

The agency’s latest update to its National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives drew comments from industry trade groups as well as New York City about potential implications for waste operations.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2023

Gensler pressured by 80 Democrats to adopt climate risk rule

Democrats backed a proposed SEC rule on carbon emissions disclosure following GOP-backed hearings last month aimed at curbing federal promotion of ESG principles.

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 7, 2023

SEC takes climate rule criticism ‘very seriously’: top official

GOP lawmakers on Tuesday accused an SEC division director of undermining capitalism by pushing for a climate risk disclosure rule.

By Jim Tyson • July 18, 2023

SEC General Counsel defends climate risk disclosure rule

Republican lawmakers accused the SEC’s top attorney of stonewalling requests for information on the agency’s regulation and enforcement.

By Jim Tyson • June 22, 2023

GOP lawmakers tell Gensler not to bow to EU’s tough climate rules

The Biden administration aims to allow strict EU standards on climate risk to guide actions by U.S. companies, according to top Republican legislators.

By Jim Tyson • June 6, 2023