Climate Disclosure Guidance

Ahead of the imminent publication of updated climate disclosure rules, the SEC has published a sample comment letter providing companies with guidance as to the regulator’s current focus and expectations under the rules.  The last official SEC guidance on climate-related guidance was published in 2010; however, the SEC, and individual top brass, have been vocal about the need for updated regulations.  In that regard, in March 2021, the SEC published a statement requesting public input on climate change disclosures.  It is expected that either a rule proposal or temporary final rules are forthcoming.  For more information on differing views following the March 2021 request for public comment, including from regulators, industry groups and individual SEC Commissioners, see HERE.

In 2010 as today, companies were and are required to report material information that can impact financial conditions and operations (see most recent amendments to MD&A disclosuresHERE).   In addition to MD&A, climate-change-related disclosures, including risks and opportunities, may