California biofuel restrictions limit farms’ role in renewable energy transition

New changes to the state's low carbon fuel standard cap incentives for soybean oil in renewable diesel and give a timeline to phase out subsidies for dairy methane digesters.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 13, 2024

California’s climate disclosure laws survive first legal challenge

A federal judge denied a motion for summary judgment from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which alleged the state’s climate bills — SB 253 and SB 261 — violated the First Amendment.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 12, 2024

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

Trump taps former Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead EPA

The Trump administration will likely roll back EPA regulations affecting fossil-fuel power plants, including a carbon emissions rule, according to Michelle Bloodworth, president and CEO of America’s Power.

By Ethan Howland • Nov. 12, 2024

SEC charges Invesco $17.5M for misleading ESG statements

“Companies should be straightforward with their clients and investors rather than seeking to capitalize on investing trends and buzzwords,” the acting head of SEC enforcement said.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 11, 2024

Increasing sustainability and inclusivity top of mind for COP29, says summit’s chief operating officer

The Chief Operating Officer for COP29 details steps the summit’s planning committee has taken to cut emissions and ramp up accessibility at the Baku venue.

By Narmin Jarchalova • Nov. 11, 2024

Mercedes-Benz seeks circularity with new battery recycling plant

The facility in Germany will help the automaker turn “today’s batteries into tomorrow’s sustainable mine for raw materials,” one board member said.

By Eric Walz • Nov. 11, 2024

Why Vycarb is focused on capturing carbon dioxide from the East River

The startup launched a novel pilot in New York City last month, and will look to remove 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year from its saltwater tidal strait.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 8, 2024

Small beef production cuts in wealthier nations could remove years of carbon emissions: report

Eliminating as little as 13% of total production could remove the same amount of total greenhouse gasses emitted over the past three years.

By Nathan Owens • Nov. 8, 2024

Analysts see ‘a real fear in the market’ as renewable energy stocks plummet on election results

Tariffs and other policy actions favored by Trump could drive renewable energy prices higher over the next four years, industry analysts say.

By Emma Penrod • Nov. 8, 2024

Clean energy, sustainable investors brace for second Trump presidency

Experts expect private sector work on ESG issues and the clean energy transition to continue, albeit at a slower pace, under a reelected Donald Trump.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 7, 2024

The ESG, climate rules at stake under a second Trump term

Several climate and ESG-related regulations at the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Labor are likely headed for the chopping block come January.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 7, 2024

What Trump’s reelection could mean for the IRA, offshore wind

President-elect Trump has vowed to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and stop offshore wind development, but clean energy advocates say his administration could benefit from both.

By Diana DiGangi • Nov. 7, 2024

SEC says funds mischaracterizing use of ESG factors

The assessment is part of a broader risk alert by the agency regarding the discrepancy between funds’ investment strategies and marketing literature.

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 6, 2024

Samsonite commits to renewable electricity, increased recyclability to slash emissions

The new targets build on the luggage company’s ESG strategy, which includes a goal to achieve carbon neutrality across all operations by 2025.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 6, 2024

Climate experts launch insurance nonprofit to curb natural disaster-associated risks

Insurance for Good aims to “harness risk transfer in support of social and environmental goals” and focus on improving disaster recovery within the United States.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 5, 2024

Marsh to insure carbon credits against counterfeits, fraud

The insurance broker said the new insurance facility will help de-risk carbon credit investments and protect companies from potential “fraudsters.”

By Lamar Johnson • Nov. 5, 2024

PepsiCo gets New York plastic pollution lawsuit dismissed

The development comes on the heels of Los Angeles County filing its own complaint against PepsiCo and Coca-Cola focused on public nuisance and alleged violations of unfair competition and false advertising law.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 5, 2024

Microsoft swaps concrete, steel with wood in new data centers to cut emissions

This marks the tech giant’s latest push to reduce its carbon footprint and accelerate progress toward its sustainability targets, which include a goal to become carbon negative by 2030.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 4, 2024

As US EV sales growth slows, election results could reverse or reinforce the trend

U.S. electric vehicle sales are rising, though the rate of growth has declined in the past year. The next president may continue support for purchase incentives or seek to cut the popular tax credit, say experts.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2024

Election 2024: Harris, Trump present ‘diametrically opposed’ impacts on ESG

“A Harris administration would be more favorable for the interests of ESG investors whereas a Trump administration would be antagonistic,” according to Morningstar Indexes’ head of strategy.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Nov. 1, 2024

ENGIE strikes deal with Meta to supply 260 MW of solar

The project is located in Milam County, Texas, and will supply power to a Meta data center 10 miles away in Temple. 

By Diana DiGangi • Nov. 1, 2024

In the wake of increased scrutiny, ESG leaders aren’t backing down.

Amid a polarized political landscape, companies are beginning to view sustainability and corporate social responsibility through the same strategic lens.

By Sona Khosla • Oct. 31, 2024

Southwest Airlines brings bamboo on board to reduce plastic in new cups

The airline recently stirred up change when it began stocking the bamboo-based cold beverage cups and wooden stir sticks, following a yearlong R&D process stemming from plastic reduction goals. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 31, 2024

HSBC drops CSO from exec board, insists it’s not gearing up to split

The bank confirmed Tuesday that Chief Sustainability Officer Celine Herweijer will not be a part of its re-organized executive operating committee.

By Dan Ennis • Oct. 31, 2024

Morgan Stanley adjusts climate targets with Paris Agreement goal slipping

The bank’s 2030 targets now include a net-zero scenario that would limit additional temperature rise to 1.7°C, as aspirations for limiting global warming to 1.5°C fade.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 30, 2024