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.”

By Ryan Golden • April 25, 2025

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.

By Zoya Mirza • April 25, 2025

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. 

By Diana DiGangi • April 25, 2025

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.

By Lamar Johnson • April 24, 2025

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.

By Lamar Johnson • April 23, 2025

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.

By Maria Rachal • April 23, 2025

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.

By Lamar Johnson • April 22, 2025

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.

By Zoya Mirza • April 21, 2025

Ex-Accenture worker says company denied him promotions to hit DEI goals

With DEI drawing more scrutiny, attorneys have advised companies to review their policies and ensure they are free of quotas, set asides and preferences.

By Emilie Shumway • April 21, 2025

Energy regulator grants BlackRock renewed authorization for large utility investments

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave the nation’s largest asset manager approval to continue to acquire up to 20% of voting securities for utility companies for another three years.

By Lamar Johnson • April 18, 2025

Target CEO, Rev. Al Sharpton meet following DEI changes

The civil rights activist said he is mulling a boycott of the mass merchant, which scaled back its diversity programs in January.

By Daphne Howland • April 18, 2025

Trump administration ordered to resume IRA funding

A federal judge’s decision, which stated agencies lacked authority to pause funding, follows the president’s executive order to freeze the money on his first day in office. 

By Kate Magill • April 18, 2025

SEC approves first US ‘green’ stock exchange

The Securities and Exchange Commission gave final approval for Green Impact Exchange to open the first national exchange for sustainability offerings, with trading set to begin in 2026.

By Lamar Johnson • April 17, 2025

General Motors taps Dell sustainability head to become new CSO

Cassandra Garber will lead the automotive giant’s sustainability efforts and ESG practices starting April 22, which coincides with Earth Day.

By Zoya Mirza • April 17, 2025

Lego removes DEI mentions from latest ESG report

A webpage touting Lego’s “diverse and inclusive workplace” remains on the company’s site.

By Caroline Colvin • April 17, 2025

4 big law firms agree not to label lawful programs as DEI, EEOC says

The announcement follows Acting Chair Andrea Lucas’ move last month to investigate several law firms’ diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

By Ryan Golden • April 16, 2025

NZBA scraps requirement for banks to strictly target a 1.5°C warming scenario

The United Nations’ Net-Zero Banking Alliance has updated its guidelines in the wake of departures, with its latest guidance aiming for global warming “well below 2°C.”

By Lamar Johnson • April 15, 2025

Organizations prioritize sustainability, but they’re slowed by manual data processes

A slowdown in federal sustainability mandates is pushing building operators to focus on reduction initiatives, Atrius says.

By Joe Burns • April 15, 2025

UN reaches deal on global shipping net-zero standard in spite of US opposition

The framework would set fuel intensity standards for the global shipping industry. The Trump administration has threatened “reciprocal measures” to offset costs for U.S. companies.

By Lamar Johnson • April 14, 2025

EnergyHub partners with GM to use EVs as grid resources

General Motors’ sales of electric vehicles jumped 94% in the first quarter. EnergyHub said its managed EV charging programs can help utilities maintain grid stability as EV demand rises.

By Robert Walton • April 14, 2025

Ally’s DEI suit dismissed after bank reduces emphasis

America First Legal dropped its lawsuit against Ally Financial after the lender largely scrubbed diversity references from its public filings.

By Gabrielle Saulsbery • April 14, 2025

Physical risk playbook: How and why companies should step up their climate resiliency efforts

Investors need information on corporate resilience strategies for climate-driven disasters to price investment risks accurately, says Impax Asset Management’s Julie Gorte.

By Julie Gorte • April 11, 2025

EU legislators work to simplify sustainability reporting requirements

The European Union has delayed sustainability reporting for the CSRD and CSDDD while legislators work to simplify the underlying requirements for businesses.

By Lamar Johnson • April 10, 2025

4 ways tariffs could impact recycled plastic markets

Recycling industry analysts say high-level trends affecting markets and manufacturing will affect recyclers as trade war uncertainties continue.

By Megan Quinn • April 10, 2025

More than 25 consumer brands use packaging linked to Texas fracking: report

Single-use plastic packaging continues to drive fossil fuel extraction, despite brands’ promises to cut back, according to climate group Stand.earth.

By Lauren Schenkman • April 9, 2025