21 House Republicans oppose cutting clean energy credits to pay for tax cuts

“Both our constituencies and the energy industry alike remain concerned about disruptive changes to our nation’s energy tax structure,” the letter led by Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., said.

By Lamar Johnson • March 11, 2025

How are C-suites reacting to Trump’s DEI orders?

Most are in a holding pattern, a Littler survey showed — but certain initiatives may be on the chopping block.

By Kathryn Moody • March 10, 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

IRA funding freeze has put ‘many’ clean energy projects on pause

The uncertainty created by the funding freeze has affected projects at “various stages of development,” a clean energy executive said on a recent press call.

By Lamar Johnson • March 7, 2025

‘EPA’s action is illegal,’ says green group attorney about $20B GGRF funding freeze

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the $20 billion freeze stopped disbursement riddled with “self-dealing [and] conflicts of interest,” while grant recipients say the freeze will not hold up to judicial review.

By Diana DiGangi • March 7, 2025

Paramount DEI initiative changes spark employee ire

While Paramount's co-CEOs cited the president's executive order in their decision, internal backlash highlights the line employers are trying to toe.

By Caroline Colvin • March 6, 2025

EPA $20B funding freeze leaves ‘green bank’ nonprofits unable to pay bills

The Climate United Fund, which received a $6.97 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grant, will soon become unable to make payroll or disburse funding to its contracted borrowers, said a spokesperson.

By Diana DiGangi • March 4, 2025

BlackRock ends diversity goals, merges DEI team into ‘Talent and Culture’

The nation’s largest asset manager said it will not renew “aspirational workforce representation goals” which expired in 2024, in response to executive orders targeting DEI programs.

By Lamar Johnson • March 3, 2025

EU adopts omnibus proposal, trims sustainability reporting requirements

The simplified package would remove 80% of companies from the scope of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and delay reporting timelines.

By Lamar Johnson • Feb. 27, 2025

Federal judge blocks parts of Trump’s private-sector DEI order

The White House’s enforcement threat against private-sector DEI programs is “textbook viewpoint-based discrimination,” according to the Feb. 21 decision.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 27, 2025

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

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