Tag: ESG initiatives

  • ESG critics testify in favor of Texas anti-ESG law

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    Two ESG opponents—William Hild (the executive director of Consumers’ Research) and Eric Bledsoe (a senior fellow at the Foundation for Government Accountability)—gave testimonies before the Texas Senate on Oct. 17. They argued the state’s anti-ESG laws produced positive results and said non-ESG investment funds tend to outperform investments that consider other factors. Ballotpedia tracks support…

  • U.S. House passes two bills opposing ESG

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    The House of Representatives passed two bills opposing ESG on Sept. 18 and Sept. 19. HR 5339 would require fiduciaries to make investment decisions based on financial factors. HR 4790 proposed limiting the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) climate risk disclosure requirements. Ballotpedia tracks support for and opposition to the environmental, social, and corporate governance…

  • State treasurers argue corporations should focus on shareholder value

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    A group of Republican state treasurers sent a letter on Aug. 28 asking the Business Roundtable to change its 2019 statement defining the purpose of corporations. The treasurers argued the definition deprioritized shareholder interests in profit and risk management and promoted ESG investing. Ballotpedia tracks support for and opposition to the environmental, social, and corporate…

  • Court blocks Missouri anti-ESG rules

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    A federal court last week threw out two 2023 Missouri rules that limited ESG in investment plans. The court argued the rules conflicted with federal law. Ballotpedia tracks support for and opposition to the environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) investing movement. To learn more about arguments for, against, and about ESG, click here. For…

  • House Republicans argue against ESG in financial services report

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    The House Republican Environmental, Social, and Governance Working Group last week released a report on ESG. The report argued the Biden administration promoted ESG initiatives to advance environmental and social policies without congressional support. It also proposed anti-ESG policies related to proxy voting, shareholder proposals, ESG ratings, and other topics. Ballotpedia tracks support for and…

  • Indiana treasurer adds BlackRock to state ESG watchlist

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    Indiana Treasurer Daniel Elliott (R) announced June 21 that he added BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, to “a state watchlist, accusing the firm of making illegal environmental, social or governance (ESG) commitments,” according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle. The decision was related to a 2023 state law banning ESG in state pension investments. Ballotpedia…

  • House Judiciary Committee report alleges organizations colluded to force ESG policies

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    The House Judiciary Committee released an interim report on June 11 alleging that several organizations, investors, and asset managers colluded to force American corporations to adopt ESG policies. The report specifically referred to Ceres, Climate Action 100+, the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), and the Big Three asset…

  • House Judiciary Committee probes Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero

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    The House Judiciary Committee late last week interviewed at least two leaders of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), a global network of financial firms supporting ESG. The committee has also requested interviews with several other GFANZ officials and affiliated individuals, including billionaire and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Ballotpedia tracks…