US policy
Despite political headwinds, the United States is poised to make progress on sustainable financial policy, requiring disclosure of ESG-related information by issuers, strengthening shareholder rights and supporting investors as they look to further integrate ESG factors in their investment strategies.
As the world’s largest capital market, the PRI is actively engaged in the US, working with Congress, regulators, allies and signatories to build a sustainable financial system.
Key publications
Policy briefing: Signatory responses to state anti-ESG laws
This briefing summarises interviews with US signatories regarding the impact of state anti-ESG laws on their business operations.
Policy briefing, 118th Congress: Analysis of proposed legislation in the financial services sector
[Region: US] This briefing presents summary and analysis of select proposed bills pending before the US House of Representatives and US Senate.
Congressional statement for the record
[Region: US] The PRI submitted a statement for the record regarding a hearing held by the House Financial Services Committee titled, “Protecting Investor Interests: Examining Environmental and Social Policy in Financial Regulation”.
Latest policy engagements
PRI letter to New York Governor supporting adoption of a human capital management disclosure bill
PRI submitted a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, supporting the adoption of Assembly Bill A5981. If signed, the bill would require companies operating in the state of New York to file their EEO-1 reports with the NY Secretary of State. Companies' data on the race, gender, and ethnicity of employees would then be made publicly available. By requiring companies to file their EEO-1 data for public release, New York can support investor efforts to identify and address HCM-related issues across their portfolios. Certain companies are already required to report this information annually to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and as such, sharing this information with the State of New York—and with investors—requires no additional effort.
PRI Response to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) proposed accounting standards update for income taxes
The PRI supports the proposed changes to Topic 740 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification® on requiring more granular and specific information regarding rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. We further recommend the FASB considers additional amendments in the future to meet the evolving needs of investors around income tax disclosures. The benefits to investors would be greatly enhanced if these proposed changes were to be accompanied by disclosures on key jurisdiction-level information such as revenues and operating results on a similar level of disaggregation.
PRI letter to Congress on consideration of the Department of Labor's "Prudence and Loyalty" rulemaking
PRI submitted a letter to Congress sharing concerns with a resolution to disapprove of the Department of Labor's "Prudence and Loyalty" rulemaking that provided clarity around investor consideration of ESG factors.
PRI submits sign on letter to the SEC encouraging adoption of climate disclosure rule
The PRI is joined by 75 signatories representing over $1.7 trillion in AUM calling on the Securities and Exchange Commission to finalize the proposed climate-related financial disclosures rule. Strengthening and finalizing the proposed rule will provide clear and comparable information to allow for full accounting of climate-related risks across investment portfolios.
In the press
ESG Dive | Anti-ESG laws challenge fiduciary obligations, add significant reporting burden: PRI
bloomberglaw.com | State Anti-ESG Laws Haven’t Deterred Some Investors, Report Says
Investments and Pensions | SEC approves long-awaited climate disclosure rule
Responsible Investor | US investors: SEC climate rule ‘step in right direction’ but more work needed
Washington Post | New rules will force U.S. firms to divulge role in warming the planet
Morningstar | 9 Things to Know About the SEC’s New Climate Rule and How It Affects You
BisNow | SEC Unveils New Emission Standards, Much to the Relief of CRE
The Hill | ESG shows free markets are working
ESG Investor | ESG Backlash “Understandable, but Misguided”
The Hill | Consistent, comparable disclosure sits at the heart of our global financial system
GreenBiz | Can we rewrite the rules of green finance quickly enough?
Blogs
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Webinars
PRI in Person & Online: Breakout 5C - US ESG disclosure: challenges, alignment, and what’s next?
The SEC is poised to finalise two rules on climate disclosure, one for corporates and one for investment advisers, but challenges remain - in US courts and globally - beyond SEC approval.
PRI in Person & Online: Breakout 5C - US ESG disclosure: challenges, alignment, and what’s next?
PRI Academic Network Week 2022 - Day 3: Pollution and Politics
A call to action: Investor momentum towards ambitious climate policy
US climate policy developments, takeaways for responsible investors
SEC Climate disclosure rulemaking: implications for investors
Regional policy developments in corporate sustainability disclosure
Climate and global financial markets: Discussion with SEC Chair Gary Gensler
SEC Climate Disclosure: How Investors Can Get Involved
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Further resources
Policy reports
Search our policy briefings
Consultations and letters
Search our policy consultations and letters
A Legal Framework for Impact
It is crucial that assessing and accounting for sustainability impact becomes a core part of investment activity. That’s why PRI, UNEP FI and The Generation Foundation are leading our work programme “A Legal Framework for Impact.”
- The PRI is an investor initiative in partnership with UNEP Finance Initiative and UN Global Compact.
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