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.

Citi tosses diversity goals, DEI label

The lender is scrapping “aspirational representation goals” and diverse job candidate requirements, as more companies abandon diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

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.

Bloomberg unveils climate tool focused on portfolio risk management

Bloomberg’s MARS Climate aims to help portfolio managers and investors assess and manage the financial risks associated with climate change.

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.

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.”

TikTok taps Climeworks for carbon removal deal

The social media giant has inked a multi-year partnership to have Climeworks remove 5,100 tons of emitted carbon dioxide from the air by 2030.

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.

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 Feb. 18, 2025

HSBC delays net-zero emissions goal by 20 years

The U.K.-based bank said it was “revising [its] ambition” and delaying its target of hitting net-zero across its operations, business travel and supply chain from 2030 to 2050.

Banks back away from DEI mentions

JPMorgan Chase, Citizens and Huntington have reduced or eliminated their references to diversity, equity and inclusion amid a White House crackdown, according to the banks’ latest annual filings.

Climate change should be incorporated into ‘daily decision-making’: JPMorgan

“Understanding climate risk is important for staying ahead in the financial landscape,” JPMorgan’s chief risk officer and global head of corporate advisory wrote in a new report.

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. 

Manufacturers’ 2025 sustainability priorities

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

New York loans Revel $60M to expand NYC public EV charging

NY Green Bank's president said the financial arrangement is “an important and replicable precedent” to accelerate electric vehicle charging.

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency latest to exit central bank climate coalition

The OCC’s acting comptroller said participation in the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System does not fall within the agency’s “statutory mandate.”

Sustainability is a lasting fashion statement

Brands can build consumer trust and increase shareholder value by considering ESG impacts, writes Marco Valverde, apparel national practice leader at Moss Adams.

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.

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.

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.

HSBC taps global banking executive for chief sustainability officer role

Julian Wentzel — previously HSBC’s head of global banking for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey — becomes sustainability chief after serving as interim CSO.