Sep. 15, 2022
Due to health concerns I am about to retire I am concerned about how climate change will affect my retirement savings investments. Most of my IRAs are in ESG SRI funds and it is essential big polluters are doing right by my objectives and truthfully reporting their progress (no greenwashing). It is important not to invest in companies not making progress on climate change so that I leave a better world for my children. I need to know whether or not a company is preparing to be successful in a low-carbon world. Companies not working to reduce their Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse emissions may not be prepared for that future. Without this information, I won't be able to tell what companies are likely to continue to be profitable as the economy transitions to clean energy and which companies could put my savings at risk. Earlier this summer you proposed a rule to require publicly traded companies to disclose "material" Scope 3 emissions. Many investors - both asset managers and individual investors like me - asked you to make this a requirement for all large public companies, and I am hopeful that you will listen to the voices of regular people like me, not just big corporations looking to hide their risks. Please keep people like me in mind as you finalize these rules. George or Barb Perkins