On July 13, 2023, 13 attorneys general signed a public letter voicing opposition to employers’ use of diversity, equity, and inclusion plans. The letter alleges that the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision banning race-based affirmative action in college admissions implicates corporate DEI programs.

Over the last decade, carbon offsets have gained popularity within the retail and consumer products industry as a voluntary tool to mitigate their Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.

In recent years, the apparel, fashion, and luxury goods industries have seen an increased focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

The Internal Revenue Service published guidance on April 17, 2023, in the form of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, detailing the critical minerals and battery components requirements under Section 30D, enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Sustainability remains a top priority for corporate boards this year as industries field growing demand from investors, consumers, and governments for more accountability, transparency, and responsiveness.

Two climate-related regulatory programs impacting business and industry in Washington state took effect on January 1, 2023. First, the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) introduces an economywide emissions cap-and-invest program. Second, the Clean Fuels Program will regulate transportation emissions. Together, these programs are intended to help the state reach ambitious statutory emissions reductions targets, including a goal of achieving a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2050.

The Internal Revenue Service published a fact sheet clarifying changes in federal clean vehicle tax credits enacted through the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army jointly announced on December 30, 2022, the latest final rule that attempts to define “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act. The Rule will take effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register.

In anticipation of the upcoming annual report and proxy season, we are highlighting new requirements and trends for public companies in 2023.

The Biden-Harris administration launched Version 1.0 of its Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool on November 22, 2022.

Perkins Coie attorney Kevin Feldis explains how effective ESG plans give startup companies a competitive edge. This includes recruiting top talent, communicating priorities, and other factors that increase long-term value.

The first day of fall offered an opportunity to look back at the summer that was. Summer 2022 was a time of continued supply chain disruptions; inflation; and acceleration of environmental, social, and governance investing and reporting. In this Update, we review this year’s Sustainability Series. As a topic of conversation and, more importantly, a goal for the retail and outdoor industries, sustainability will continue to be at the forefront of the strategic conversation for businesses, investors, and regulators.

President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act on August 16, 2022, which, among other things, uses the tax code to slow the effects of climate change by significantly investing in clean energy and reducing of greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.

Sustainable investing is a big and growing business. It is also widely misunderstood. Many of the predominant investment tools used to assess public company environmental, social and governance practices have been widely criticized as inadequate and potentially misleading.

Partner Ted Boling co-authored “Transforming Institutions to Connect Land and Water for Healthy Communities” published in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWR).

Seemingly every other week, another company pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. These efforts are to be applauded.

On April 14, 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission accepted a “State Agreement Approach” Agreement between PJM Interconnection, LLC and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities effective April 15, 2022.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2022, proposed detailed and wide-ranging requirements for publicly traded companies to disclose their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate risks in their registration statements and annual or other periodic reports.

First Generation Investors (FGI) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization started by two University of Pennsylvania students who wanted to do more than talk about a problem.

Perkins Coie partners Kevin Feldis, David Daniels, and Jamie Schafer offer environmental, social and governance corporate resolutions for the new year and highlight key action steps to take, starting with prioritizing ESG and conducting an assessment.

During 2021, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted rule changes and provided public companies with useful guidance on various topics.

COVID-19 disrupted business operations, supply chains, and economies around the globe. In response, businesses had to respond to multiple crises throughout their operations. Companies sought to make good choices concerning procurement, logistics, HR, and go-forward strategies.

With the new year approaching, this is an excellent time to turn over that new leaf and commit to starting, or reestablishing, good habits. Businesses should be no different.

President Biden signed an executive order on December 8, 2021, directing the federal government to use its scale and procurement power to slash its carbon emissions by 65% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050

President Biden signed an executive order on December 8, 2021, directing the federal government to use its scale and procurement power to slash its carbon emissions by 65% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021, has the potential to transform the surface transportation sector in the United States.

The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, wrapped up earlier this month in Glasgow, Scotland, after two weeks of negotiations. This update discusses how international agreements and U.S. policy announcements coming out of COP26 will affect businesses and provide opportunities in the months and years ahead.

Harlem Art Fund - Helping underrepresented artists receive more value for their work and creating an exhibition pipeline. Founder Lewis Long creates a new model in fine art agency and investment.

From investors and shareholders to customers and employees, key stakeholders are increasingly demanding both corporate action and broad-based public disclosure of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. As corporations take action and report on their ESG challenges and achievements, they will be well served to take steps to mitigate the risks of both regulatory enforcement and private litigation. 

An oil industry giant just lost a proxy battle that unseated incumbents and installed at least two new independent board members in a move that is expected to put a focus on the company’s approach to climate action and reducing emissions—putting to rest any doubt that the landscape in which businesses operate has been fundamentally transformed.

In this episode, a logistics entrepreneur draws on his personal experience and collaborates with a technology consultant to both create an economic development zone and lift kids out of poverty.

“The Initiative” is a Black/Blue community partnership developed by Howard University alumni to help eliminate the indiscriminate killing and violent policing of black and brown people in our society.

White Collar Partner Kevin Feldis speaks with Tony Davis, chief executive officer and chief information officer of Inherent Group, a value-based investment company that uses environmental, social and governance factors to make investment decisions.

Over the past few weeks, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has taken several actions that put climate change front and center, reflecting the importance to many investors of climate change related disclosures. 

Cam Simpson and Markus Funk discuss Cam's diverse career, with a particular focus on Cam's work relating to human trafficking and other forms of forced labor.

RelevantNOW examines the intersection of business and public interest. Experts will analyze and provide a fresh take on the most relevant issues we face today through an environmental social governance lens.

In anticipation of the upcoming reporting season, we highlight rule changes, guidance, and trends for public companies to consider in preparing annual report and proxy statement disclosures in 2021.

Companies across industries—from retail to high tech to financial services—are touting their sustainability initiatives to attract and retain customers and employees.

For the past generation, mainstream public companies in America have slowly increased the gender and racial diversity of their boards of directors to better reflect the faces of the American consumer and the shareholder base. 

This year has seen a host of headlines trumpeting the results of efforts over the past several years to increase gender equality in the boardroom.

David Biderman, Kristine Kruger, and Jasmine Wetherell provided a review of the past year’s key litigation outcomes, regulatory developments, and industry trends.