In recent years, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Climate and ESG Task Force has gained significant attention within the business world. Launched two years ago, this enforcement initiative focuses on combating misleading environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures. Its influence is now being felt by numerous public companies, including industry leaders like Core Scientific, Pioneer Natural Resources, and Ally, who have acknowledged the task force as a potential risk in their annual 10-K reports. This blog post delves into the rising significance of the SEC’s Climate and ESG Task Force and its implications for companies operating in an increasingly ESG-conscious environment.
Increasing Risk Disclosures
According to a recent review of company filings by Bloomberg Law, the SEC’s Climate and ESG Task Force was explicitly mentioned as a risk factor in the 10-K reports of 30 companies in the current year, with six months still remaining. This number has doubled compared to the 15 companies that referenced the task force in their risk factors throughout the entirety of 2022. The growing inclusion of the task force as a risk factor suggests that public companies are taking the potential enforcement actions and regulatory scrutiny associated with ESG disclosures more seriously.
Enforcement Actions and Settlements
While there has been a recent lull in new cases from the SEC’s task force, it remains unlikely that the enforcement initiative will remain dormant indefinitely. In November of the previous year, the task force collaborated with the SEC in announcing an enforcement action and settlement with Goldman Sachs. This case was just one of several actions tied to the task force. As a result, securities lawyers believe that the task force will continue to actively pursue cases and issue penalties for misleading ESG disclosures.
ESG Reporting and Climate Risk Disclosures
The SEC’s emphasis on environmental, social, and governance reporting, coupled with its move to require climate risk disclosures, has heightened companies’ awareness of the task force and its potential implications. As the regulatory landscape evolves, companies face increasing pressure to accurately and transparently report their ESG performance and climate-related risks. In this context, acknowledging the task force in their risk factor disclosures can serve as a preemptive strategy to demonstrate proactive efforts in addressing known issues rather than remaining silent.
Amy Greer, a former SEC lawyer and co-chair of Baker & McKenzie LLP’s North American financial regulation and enforcement practice, highlights the importance of acknowledging the SEC’s Climate and ESG Task Force. According to Greer, public companies recognize the value in acknowledging potential risks and bringing known issues to the attention of shareholders. By openly addressing ESG-related concerns, companies can position themselves as responsible corporate citizens and potentially mitigate the impact of future enforcement actions.
The SEC’s Climate and ESG Task Force has emerged as a growing concern for public companies. As ESG and climate-related disclosures become increasingly important, acknowledging the task force in risk factor disclosures has become a proactive strategy for companies to address potential enforcement actions. The rising number of companies mentioning the task force in their 10-K reports signifies a growing awareness of the task force’s influence and underscores the importance of accurate and transparent ESG reporting. In an era where environmental and social issues are at the forefront of business consciousness, companies must be prepared to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and meet the expectations of stakeholders in terms of ESG performance and climate risk management.
Reporting to and auditing your 10-K reports for the SEC doesn’t have to be difficult. Using EmpoweredESG, you can lead with strategy and comply with reporting using our holistic ESG management solution. Learn more by clicking here or filling out the form below.
