The ESG Era: Progress, Pushback, and the Path Ahead

The ESG Era: Progress, Pushback, and the Path Ahead

Author: ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources June 30, 2025 Duration: 19:06

In 2024, key legal and regulatory shifts transformed the ESG landscape across the U.S., Canada, U.K., and EU. In the U.S., the SEC adopted—and later stopped defending—climate disclosure rules, while the Department of Labor's ESG rule faced litigation and Congress advanced anti-ESG bills. At the same time, the EPA began deploying $27 billion under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, and youth-led climate lawsuits saw major wins.

California's climate reporting laws (SB 253, SB 261, AB 1305) faced challenges but remained in effect, and greenwashing litigation expanded to cover broad corporate ESG claims.

Internationally, the U.K. introduced mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain rules, the EU implemented the CSRD and CSDDD, and Canada passed a new Modern Slavery Act. Together, these changes mark a global move toward greater corporate transparency and environmental accountability.

Join Josh Galperin, professor at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, in conversation with Lauren Lynam and Morgan Martin as they unpack the year's most significant ESG legal developments across the U.S. and beyond.


Tune into Environmental Law Explored: A Podcast SEERies for a direct line to the minds shaping our world's environmental, energy, and resource policies. Produced by the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, this series features candid conversations with leading practitioners who are navigating the complex intersection of law, policy, and science. You'll hear them unpack not just the latest regulatory shifts and courtroom battles, but also the historical context that brought us here and the practical realities of building a career in this dynamic field. Each episode goes beyond dry legal analysis to explore the human stories and professional insights behind the headlines. Whether you're a seasoned attorney, a law student, or simply someone keenly interested in how environmental governance works, this podcast offers an accessible yet deeply informed perspective. The discussions are grounded in real-world experience, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of how laws are interpreted, challenged, and implemented. Remember, the views expressed belong solely to the speakers. For anyone looking to grasp the forces that dictate our relationship with the planet, this is an essential listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 79

Environmental Law Explored: A Podcast SEERies
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