Key Insights found throughout this issue include:
- Shift in Federal Priorities:
President Trump’s second term has brought significant changes, including a focus on deregulation, scrutiny of DEI initiatives, and a shift away from climate priorities set by the previous administration. - Impact on DEI and Environmental Justice:
Executive orders have dismantled affirmative action and DEI policies, leading to legal challenges and uncertainty. Environmental Justice offices and programs have been terminated, impacting federal support for EJ initiatives. - Changes in Climate and Energy Policies:
The U.S. has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, but 24 states have committed to its goals independently. There is a pause on disbursement of funds from the IRA and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, leading to legal challenges and uncertainty. - SEC and Corporate Governance Updates:
New SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has indicated a shift in priorities, including nixing CEO Pay Ratio disclosures and revisiting climate-related disclosure rules. The SEC’s new system, EDGAR Next, aims to enhance security and traceability of filings. - Board Diversity and Proxy Advisor Policies:
The Fifth Circuit vacated Nasdaq’s board diversity rule, leading to changes in proxy advisor policies and a relaxation of diversity expectations. ISS and Glass Lewis have updated their voting policies, reflecting the changing landscape.
