James McAllister

Jacksonville

Senior Policy Reporter at Ballotpedia

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Articles

Labor Department drops defense of ESG rule

3 weeks ago | news.ballotpedia.org | James McAllister

The Department of Labor (DOL) filed court documents last week indicating it will stop defending a Biden-era rule allowing ESG considerations in retirement plans. The agency said it plans to propose a new rule to replace it. The rule has faced Republican opposition since 2022 but survived both legal and legislative challenges, including a congressional repeal effort vetoed by President Biden. The DOL’s reversal continues a broader shift away from ESG under the second Trump administration.
Federal government weighs in on Texas antitrust suit against Big Three

4 weeks ago | news.ballotpedia.org | James McAllister

Federal government weighs in on Texas antitrust suit against Big ThreeMay 29, 2025 at 8:52 PMThe U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission filed a statement of interest last week in an 11-state, Texas-led lawsuit alleging BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard colluded to suppress coal production, violating antitrust laws. The statement argued ESG-related coordination among asset managers could raise valid antitrust concerns.
Anti-ESG bill dies in Texas House

1 month ago | news.ballotpedia.org | James McAllister

A Texas bill that sought to shift the legal burden in shareholder lawsuits involving ESG policies failed in committee last week. The House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee voted it down 9–1. If enacted, the bill would have been the first to make it easier for shareholders to challenge ESG-related decisions by requiring companies to prove those actions were financially—rather than politically—motivated. Click here to explore Ballotpedia’s ESG legislation tracker.
Supreme Court hears case on nationwide injunctions tied to birthright citizenship order

1 month ago | news.ballotpedia.org | James McAllister

Supreme Court hears case on nationwide injunctions tied to birthright citizenship orderMay 27, 2025 at 10:49 AMWhat happened? The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments May 15 in Trump v. CASA, Inc., a case challenging President Donald Trump’s (R) executive order restricting birthright citizenship. The case was consolidated with Trump v. Washington and Trump v. New Jersey, in which four and 18 states, respectively, filed lawsuits against the administration. The legal challenge centers on Trump’s Jan.
ESG critic appointed to Labor Department

1 month ago | news.ballotpedia.org | James McAllister

The Department of Labor this month appointed Justin Danhof—a critic of ESG investing and a proxy voting and corporate engagement expert—as a senior policy advisor in the Employee Benefits Security Administration. Danhof’s appointment brings an anti-ESG voice into a role that shapes guidance for retirement plans.
House subcommittee addresses proxy advisory firms

1 month ago | news.ballotpedia.org | James McAllister

House subcommittee addresses proxy advisory firmsMay 11, 2025 at 10:31 AMThe House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets held a hearing last week on proxy advisory firms, which guide institutional investors on how to vote their shares. Opponents say proxy firms promote ESG priorities in shareholder votes—especially Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis, which control a combined 90% of the proxy advisory market.
Fannie Mae closes ESG department

1 month ago | news.ballotpedia.org | James McAllister

Fannie Mae—the Federal National Mortgage Association, a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE)—shut down its ESG department, firing over 30 employees, including Laurel Davis, head of the company’s mission and impact program. The closure follows similar moves at Freddie Mac and reflects a broader shift away from ESG and DEI initiatives promoted during the Biden administration.
Fifteen state AGs ask Business Roundtable to stop DEI

2 months ago | news.ballotpedia.org | James McAllister

Fifteen state AGs ask Business Roundtable to stop DEIApril 24, 2025 at 6:39 AMFifteen state attorneys general sent a letter to Business Roundtable, an organization of chief executive officers (CEOs), urging the organization and its member companies to withdraw their support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Republican state attorneys general are asking the business group to reverse its perceived support of ESG issues.
Trump issues executive order opposing state ESG policies

2 months ago | news.ballotpedia.org | James McAllister

Trump issues executive order opposing state ESG policiesApril 18, 2025 at 1:12 AMPresident Donald Trump (R) issued an executive order last week directing U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate and block enforcement of state laws promoting ESG policies. Trump argued such laws conflict with national security and economic interests. The order lays the groundwork for federal legal challenges against state ESG laws.
Tennessee drops Wells Fargo investigation

2 months ago | news.ballotpedia.org | James McAllister

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti (R) last week closed his investigation into whether Wells Fargo coordinated with other financial institutions to promote net-zero climate policies in violation of antitrust laws. The investigation was part of a broader effort by Republican attorneys general to challenge coordination among financial institutions on climate policy. Skrmetti closed the case after the bank announced plans to move away from net-zero commitments.