‘DEI activism’: Republican AGs praise Trump SEC move to reverse Biden climate rule they fought in court
Current and former state attorneys general are applauding the recent decision by the Trump administration’s U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to roll back a Biden-era climate rule that required companies to disclose their carbon emissions. This move has been described as a victory for common sense and a step against federal overreach.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, who led a coalition of states in a lawsuit challenging the climate rule last year, expressed his deep concerns about the legality of the rule and the burdens it would impose on public companies. He emphasized that this decision is a win for the rule of law and a rejection of the radical climate agenda.
The SEC acting chairman, Mark Uyeda, stated that the climate rule was deeply flawed and could harm the capital markets and the economy. He argued that the rule overstepped the SEC’s regulatory authority and instructed SEC staff to request a delay in the court case while the agency reconsiders its stance. However, Commissioner Caroline A. Crenshaw disagreed with this decision, stating that the agency did not act outside of its authority and that the only changes have been political.
Attorneys general from various states welcomed the decision to roll back the climate rule, noting that it would save companies from extreme financial burdens. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr emphasized the importance of common sense prevailing and criticized the federal government for imposing unnecessary costs on businesses.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, who was also involved in the lawsuit against the climate rule, described the decision as a sign that common sense has returned to the nation. He highlighted the importance of the SEC focusing on protecting investors and financial markets rather than promoting radical environmentalism.
Both Morrisey and Carr anticipate further actions against the climate change agenda under the current Trump administration, citing recent executive orders that prioritize traditional energy sources and reject international climate commitments.
In a statement, a White House spokesman emphasized the administration’s commitment to dismantling ideological chokeholds and promoting merit, competence, and innovation over activism. The Trump administration will continue to prioritize these values over environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Overall, the decision to roll back the climate rule has been met with praise from state attorneys general, who see it as a step in the right direction towards protecting businesses and the economy from unnecessary regulatory burdens.
