· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has suspended enforcement of a rule requiring large companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions
• This decision, made by acting SEC chair Mark T. Uyeda, marks a major victory for fossil fuel companies and key Trump donors who opposed the rule
• The rule had been stalled due to ongoing legal challenges
🔭 The context: The climate disclosure rule, introduced under the Biden administration, was heavily opposed by oil and gas executives, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Harold Hamm, and Kelcy Warren
• These industry leaders, all Trump allies and donors, took legal action against the rule, arguing it unfairly targeted fossil fuel companies
• Trump’s administration has been swift in rolling back climate regulations, with his executive order “Unleashing American Energy” promoting expanded fossil fuel development
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The rule was designed to enhance transparency and accountability on corporate climate impact, preventing greenwashing and misleading investor reports
• Critics argue that halting it weakens climate risk disclosure and shields fossil fuel companies from scrutiny
• Without it, investors may struggle to assess companies’ true environmental risks and contributions to climate change
⏭️ What's next: With incoming SEC chair Paul Atkins also opposing the rule, the likelihood of its revival appears slim
• Trump’s administration is expected to continue dismantling environmental regulations, favoring industry-backed policies
• Climate advocates warn that ignoring financial risks tied to climate change could have long-term economic and environmental consequences
💬 One quote: “Climate-related risk is among the most significant financial risks raining down on our economy now… Simply ignoring the risk won’t make it go away for investors, nor for the economy and our financial system.” — Clara Vondrich, Public Citizen’s Climate Program
📈 One stat: Oil executive Kelcy Warren has donated at least $800,000 to Trump’s campaign, with other industry leaders contributing millions more
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