Principal Roy Prather (Baltimore) recently spoke with Trellis to discuss the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) newly released Financial Institutions Net-Zero (FINZ) Standard and the wave of anti-ESG scrutiny it has drawn as seen in a letter from a coalition of 23 state Attorneys General.

In the article, “State AGs demand information about SBTi’s new net-zero guidelines for financial firms,” Roy noted that while the Attorneys General’s letter is less forceful than Florida’s recent subpoenas targeting SBTi and CDP, it represents a meaningful escalation “with respect to attention and scope.”

The Attorneys General have requested detailed information on the development of the FINZ Standard and the financial institutions that have committed to it, framing their concerns in terms of antitrust, consumer protection, and potential impacts on U.S. energy and agriculture.

Beveridge & Diamond’s White Collar, Environmental Crimes lawyers counsel firm clients on high-stakes enforcement and compliance matters, particularly in complex environmental investigations. Our White Collar, Environmental Crimes team works closely with the firm’s Audits, Risk, and Compliance Assessments practice group, and environmental subject matter practice groups to counsel companies on compliance management system design, assess and evaluate compliance risks, and prepare policies, procedures, and controls to manage and mitigate those risks. Coupled with our ESG and Climate Change practices, we help clients navigate complex and interrelated legal and reputational issues in the fast-moving area of sustainability and offer significant capabilities helping clients understand and incorporate emerging GHG legal and regulatory requirements across enterprises