The strategy sets out plans to reduce emissions from key sectors of the UK economy to ensure that the UK remains on track for net zero by 2050. By Conrad Andersen, John Balsdon, David Berman, Paul A. Davies, Nicola Higgs, Sam Newhouse, Simon J. Tysoe, Michael D. Green, James Bee, and Anne Mainwaring On 19 … Continue Reading
Discussion Paper opens debate on potential new rules to improve diversity in financial services. By Rob Moulton, David Berman, Paul Davies, and Charlotte Collins On 7 July 2021, the FCA, the PRA, and the Bank of England published a joint Discussion Paper on diversity and inclusion in the financial sector. The regulators, in particular the … Continue Reading
New regulations in renewable energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and ESG are expected to impact companies and investors in Spain in the coming year. By José María Alonso and Leticia Sitges Despite the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the Spanish government has established a route toward decarbonizing and digitalizing the economy and toward promoting circular-economy initiatives. This … Continue Reading
The consultation seeks to establish a strategic framework aimed at ensuring high standards of protection for workers. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On 7 December 2020, the European Commission (EC or the Commission) launched a public consultation (the Consultation) on the new EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work for … Continue Reading
The plan promises 250,000 jobs and emphasises a “green industrial revolution” to stimulate a post-pandemic economic recovery. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On 17 November 2020, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a ten-point plan as part of the government’s initiative to “build back better”. The plan aims to bolster the economy … Continue Reading
The UK Government presents initiatives designed to green the UK economy and bolster attractiveness as an international financial centre. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On 9 November 2020, Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced several initiatives designed to help the UK tackle climate change, while maintaining its position as an “open, … Continue Reading
Companies are under increasing pressure to closely manage their supply chains, including providing more transparency on financing strategies and improving workers’ rights. By Paul A. Davies, Ryan J. Maierson, Colleen C. Smith, and Kristina S. Wyatt The year 2020, with all of its tumult and tragedy, has challenged the relationship between companies and supply chains. … Continue Reading
The proposed initiative would embed sustainability in companies’ corporate governance frameworks and their business strategies. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On 26 October 2020, the European Commission (the Commission) launched a public consultation on a proposed sustainable corporate governance framework. The Commission is seeking views from a broad range of stakeholders, including, … Continue Reading
The European Commission President delivers her first state of the union address, covering a number of issues, in particular a number of ESG matters. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On 16 September 2020, Ursula von der Leyen, delivered her first state of the union address since taking over the presidency of the … Continue Reading
A watershed CFTC report highlights the dangers of climate change to the US economy, and provides a broad risk-mitigation roadmap. By Jean-Philippe Brisson, Paul A. Davies, Nicola Higgs, Yvette D. Valdez, R. Andrew Westgate, Kristina S. Wyatt, and Deric Behar On September 9, 2020, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC’s) Climate-Related Market Risk Subcommittee … Continue Reading
The group’s recommendations urgently call for the global standardisation of ESG reporting requirements to help “build back better” after COVID-19. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On 5 August 2020, Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD) Alliance released to the European Commission their July 2020 report, titled Renewed, Recharged and Reinforced: Urgent actions … Continue Reading
The inquiry seeks further evidence on how and whether the government’s response to COVID-19 should take green ambitions into account. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green On 24 July 2020, the UK Treasury Committee (the Committee) relaunched its inquiry into decarbonisation of the UK economy and green finance.… Continue Reading
Public agencies prevailed in 71% of CEQA cases analyzed. By James L. Arnone, Daniel P. Brunton, Marc T. Campopiano, Shivaun A. Cooney, Benjamin J. Hanelin, John C. Heintz, Maria Pilar Hoye, Aron Potash, and Winston P. Stromberg Latham & Watkins is pleased to present its third annual CEQA Case Report. Throughout 2019 Latham lawyers reviewed … Continue Reading
The guidance contains practical advice for navigating ESG diligence and compliance. By James R. Barrett, Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, Bobbi-Jo B. Dobush, and Jacqueline J. Yap* On June 19, 2020, the Equator Principles Association (EPA) issued Guidance on Implementation of the Equator Principles During the Covid-19 Pandemic, as prepared by Ramboll (Guidance). The … Continue Reading
Increasing interest in ESG issues presents an opportunity for sponsors to re-evaluate their existing ESG strategies. By Paul A. Davies, Nicola Higgs, Farah O’Brien, and Hannah Berdal The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present unprecedented challenges for European private equity firms and their portfolio companies. A significant number of companies have been forced to undertake emergency … Continue Reading
By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause economic disruption, the UK government (government) has established five working groups tasked with discussing and evaluating economic recovery measures. The groups will focus on five key themes, including “Green recovery: how to capture economic growth opportunities from the shift to … Continue Reading
Do European Commission ambitions signal a new, more sustainable direction of travel for the EU and globally? By Paul Davies and Michael Green On 27 May 2020, the European Commission (the Commission) announced a €750 billion stimulus fund aimed at helping the economies of the EU member states recover from the shock sustained as a … Continue Reading
Governments are under pressure to ensure that any financing used to assist the economic recovery from COVID-19 embeds climate change policy. By Paul A. Davies and Michael D. Green The economic impact of COVID-19 has required unprecedented state intervention and support for companies and individuals in countries around the world. Now, certain climate policy advisors … Continue Reading
Economic operators are facing a number of practical and legal questions as EU and national authorities work to facilitate the supply of biocidal products. By Cesare Milani and Federica Rizzo The COVID-19 crisis has increased demand for disinfectants, hand cleaners, and other biocidal products, resulting in general shortages across most EU Member States. Many companies are currently working … Continue Reading
Agencies following the state’s open meeting laws must balance public safety imperatives with advancing critical projects as they determine how to hold public meetings while Californians can’t go out in public. By Nikki Buffa, Taiga Takahashi, Samantha K. Seikkula, and Julie Miles California’s two open meeting laws — the Brown Act and the Bagley-Keene Open … Continue Reading
The Governor has issued an Executive Order that permits commandeering of hotels and other places of temporary residence for the state’s response to COVID-19. By Winston P. Stromberg, Lucas I. Quass and Cody M. Kermanian As part of California’s continued response to the COVID-19 outbreak, on March 12, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order … Continue Reading
