Sep. 22, 2022
Dear Chair Gensler, 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. As you look to finalize these rules, I wanted to thank you for doing everything in your power to ensure that investors like me have the information we need to be able to make smart investing decisions for a low-carbon future. I am looking forward to seeing strong greenhouse gas disclosures, inclusive of Scope 3 emissions, in your final ruling later this year. As an investor looking to maximize my returns, I need to know whether or not a company is preparing to be successful in a low-carbon world. More and more economies are adopting policies and taking steps to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. 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. I'm sure companies that don't want to comply with the proposed rule are pressuring you to water it down. Don't give in. People are tired of agencies that don't protect their interests, and there is a lot of recent evidence that agencies which do protect the public reap the benefits of increased public approval. I can remember when government worked, issues were decided on their merit, and the country made progress as a result. I'd like for things to be that way again. Sincerely, Lesley Hunt