Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors (ESG)

Rapid politicization around ESG and active rulemaking by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have brought a good deal of uncertainty to the world of corporate strategy. ESG is a complex issue, because its three letters refer to an enormous amount of information. However, this complexity has not stopped policymakers from inserting themselves into debates around ESG.

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) excels at leading in these types of situations. We educate policymakers, external stakeholders, and the general public on such polarizing topics and, importantly, bring together divergent voices for robust discussion and action. As the rhetoric and response to ESG policy has intensified over the past year, BPC has been closely engaged with Capitol Hill, the SEC, and the private sector to find common ground and develop shared understanding of the issues.

Policymaker engagement on ESG is only set to increase this year amid a tensely divided government. Meanwhile, external scrutiny surrounding ESG metrics, disclosures, and definitions will only intensify. As lawmakers seek to clarify the boundaries of ESG through regulation and legislation, BPC’s goal is to ensure that engagement between Congress and corporate America is as well-informed and evidence-based as possible.