ESG & Sustainability Policy Change Feed
8 regulatory changes detected this week
Today, April 1
SEC Extends Climate Disclosure Phase 1 Deadline by 90 Days
SEC Chair announces 90-day extension for large accelerated filers' first climate disclosure filing deadline, citing industry readiness concerns. New deadline: September 30, 2026 for FY2025 filings.
ADVISE: Use the 90-day window to help clients strengthen their disclosures rather than delay. Companies that file early and well will gain investor confidence advantage.
Treasury Releases Updated 45V Clean Hydrogen Guidance
Treasury Department clarifies 'deliverability' pillar for hydrogen PTC: regional grid accounting allowed for electrolytic hydrogen producers connected to grids with >80% clean energy. Significant win for Pacific Northwest producers.
URGENT: Bloom Energy should coordinate with Pacific Clean Energy Coalition on joint messaging celebrating this win. Unified advocacy voice strengthens future regulatory positions.
Yesterday, March 31
Senate Finance Committee Schedules CBAM Markup for April 15
Chairman Wyden announces markup of the Foreign Pollution Fee Act for April 15. Bipartisan support with Sens. Cassidy (R-LA) and Graham (R-SC) co-sponsoring. Forest products included in covered commodities.
CRITICAL: Weyerhaeuser should request witness slot at April 15 markup. Tim's Senate Finance Committee history makes this a natural fit. Coordinate with GreenBuild Alliance for joint industry support letter.
BLM Announces First Conservation Lease Pilot Areas in Oregon and Idaho
Bureau of Land Management designates 1.2M acres across SE Oregon and central Idaho as pilot areas for conservation leases under the new Public Lands Conservation Rule. Applications open May 1.
COORDINATE: Northwest Conservation and Pacific Clean Energy need to align positions before the May 1 application deadline. Conservation and clean energy are natural allies — find co-use framework.
Monday, March 30
IRS Publishes Proposed Regulations Expanding 45Q to Forest Carbon
IRS issues proposed regulations explicitly including enhanced forest management and reforestation in 45Q carbon capture eligibility. Direct pay available. Comment period: 60 days.
CONFLICT ALERT: Weyerhaeuser and Northwest Conservation Trust have opposing views on forest carbon credit additionality. Monument should proactively develop a bridging position before both clients testify.
Sunday, March 29
Sen. Cantwell Introduces SAF Mandate Amendment with Aviation Industry Support
Commerce Committee Chair Cantwell files amendment to FAA reauthorization bill mandating 10% SAF blending by 2030 (up from proposed 5%). Includes $2B production incentive fund and feedstock sustainability criteria.
STRATEGIC: Alaska Airlines and Cascadia Ag need aligned messaging before Cantwell amendment markup. Both can support 10% mandate if feedstock criteria are technology-neutral.
Saturday, March 28
EPW Committee Holds Hearing on Federal Carbon Market Linkage
Senate Environment & Public Works Committee held hearing on S-1847 (California Cap-and-Trade Federal Linkage). Bipartisan support from Chair Capito and Ranking Member Carper. Industry witnesses testify on market design.
MONITOR: Hearing tone was positive. Monument should prepare markup talking points for when S-1847 moves to committee vote. Coordinate forestry offset language with Weyerhaeuser and NW Conservation Trust.
Friday, March 27
EPA Announces $3.2B in PFAS Remediation Grants for Water Systems
EPA Administrator announces first tranche of $3.2B in grants for public water systems to comply with new PFAS MCLs. Priority given to systems serving environmental justice communities.
ADVISE: GreenBuild Alliance should develop PFAS-free product marketing campaign coinciding with EPA grant rollout. First-mover advantage in PFAS-free construction materials.