All Issue Briefs

Implementing the SEC Climate Rules: Considering Internal Controls Over Sustainability Reporting (ICSR)
Implementing the SEC Climate Rules: Considering Internal Controls Over Sustainability Reporting (ICSR)

In March 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted new rules regarding climate-related disclosures for investors. (Release No. 33-11275, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors.) Although the SEC’s final rules have been stayed due to pending litigation, many companies that would otherwise be required to comply are nevertheless moving forward toward operationalizing and implementing them. These same companies are also in the process of addressing similar sustainability related disclosure regulations and guidance from other jurisdictions.
Where Does the SEC Stand on Corporate ESG Disclosure
Where Does the SEC Stand on Corporate ESG Disclosure

Corporate clients have been asking the G&A Institute team about recent developments at the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, which could affect corporate ESG disclosure and reporting. With the November 2020 election of a Democrat President and Vice President, the SEC now has a 3-2 balance – three Democrat, two Republican commissioners - with a Democrat in the chair, and the Commission seems poised to take action on ESG reporting.
As Leaders Summit on Climate Opens, Biden-Harris Administration Sets Tone with New Initiatives
As Leaders Summit on Climate Opens, Biden-Harris Administration Sets Tone with New Initiatives

The 51st Earth Day celebration took place on April 22, midweek of the wider Climate Week observations in the United States and many other lands. This year’s U.S. government participation is very different from 2020 and other recent years.
Doing Business in California? State Lawmakers Move Toward Requiring Carbon Emissions Disclosure
Doing Business in California? State Lawmakers Move Toward Requiring Carbon Emissions Disclosure

In our conversations with corporate clients, we often find ourselves saying “stay tuned” to evolving issues or topics. Lately, the tempo has picked up for that expression, with important corporate disclosure and reporting requirements in various stages of development around the world.
Buy, Sell or Hold? Important Considerations for Issuer Disclosure and Omissions as ESG Reporting Becomes More Universal Practice
Buy, Sell or Hold? Important Considerations for Issuer Disclosure and Omissions as ESG Reporting Becomes More Universal Practice

In this Issue Brief, G&A Institute addresses executives' latest questions on ESG disclosure and reporting practices. In corporate financial reporting, the team preparing public disclosures typically holds discussions with internal and external stakeholders around the materiality of information. Will each type of information if disclosed – or importantly, if omitted and not disclosed – influence investors’ decisions to "buy, sell, or hold"?In the historic Securities & Exchange Act of 1934, Section 14 prohibits material misrepresentations and omissions in the proxy statements sent to stockholders.