Policy, Regulation & Standards News | ESG & Sustainability | OneStop ESG

Trump Ends DEI Policies, Declares ‘Our Country Will Be Woke No Longer

Trump announced the end of DEI policies, asserting that hiring should be based on merit rather than identity factors. His decision has been met with praise from Republicans and criticism from Democrats.

Mercedes-Benz Cuts Jobs, Slows Pay Hikes in Cost-Cutting Drive

Mercedes-Benz will offer buyouts, slow pay hikes, and outsource roles to cut costs, targeting 10% production savings by 2027. Job security is extended until 2034, with no production redundancies.

EU Extends Automaker CO2 Compliance to Three Years, Balancing Industry and Climate Goals

The EU proposes a three-year compliance period for automakers to meet CO2 targets, easing industry pressure but raising concerns over Europe’s EV transition and emissions reduction pace.

GSK Pauses Diversity Programs, Citing Trump Executive Orders

GSK has paused diversity programs for UK staff, citing Trump’s executive orders on DEI policies in the US. The move has sparked concerns from investors and legal experts, as rival AstraZeneca continues its diversity efforts unaffected.

Corporate America Scales Back DEI Programs Amid Political and Legal Shifts

Major U.S. corporations are scaling back DEI programs amid legal challenges and political shifts. Financial institutions and Fortune 500 firms—including BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and Berkshire Hathaway—are adjusting diversity policies as government regulations evolve.

Apple Shareholders Overwhelmingly Reject Proposal to End DEI Programs

Apple shareholders voted 97% against eliminating DEI programs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to diversity despite legal and political challenges. CEO Tim Cook signaled possible adjustments but affirmed that Apple’s values remain unchanged.

EU Unveils €100 Billion Clean Industrial Deal

The EU’s €100B Clean Industrial Deal accelerates manufacturing decarbonization, lowers energy costs, and strengthens circular economy efforts, positioning Europe as a leader in clean tech.

Mizuho and GenZero Partner to Develop Transition Credits for Coal Phase-Out

Mizuho and GenZero partner to develop transition credits, a financial tool to accelerate coal plant retirements in Asia. This initiative supports clean energy goals and global climate finance efforts.

Trump Appoints Oil and Gas Advocate to Lead Federal Land Management Agency

Donald Trump has nominated Kathleen Sgamma, a longtime oil and gas industry advocate, to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency overseeing a quarter-billion acres of public land. If confirmed, Sgamma would play a key role in advancing Trump’s aggressive fossil fuel expansion agenda, reversing Biden-era climate protections. Critics warn that her leadership could prioritize corporate interests over environmental conservation.

China Unveils Its First Corporate Sustainability Disclosure Standards

China launches its first Corporate Sustainability Disclosure Standards, focusing on transparency, accountability, and ESG alignment. Voluntary now, they aim for full adoption by 2030

European Commission Issues FAQ to Simplify EU Taxonomy for Investors

UK Prime Minister Commits to 81% Emissions Reduction by 2035 at COP29

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a UK target to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035, underlining the importance of clean energy investments and international collaboration to address climate change.