California’s recent green ordinances face legal challenges, with mixed outcomes from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The court temporarily halted the “Climate-Related Financial Risks Act” (SB 261), which would require companies with over $500 million in revenue to report climate-related financial risks. Critics argue it imposes significant compliance costs and forces companies to publicly acknowledge climate change.
Meanwhile, the court allowed the “Climate Change Corporate Data Responsibility Act” (SB 253) to proceed, requiring companies with revenues over $1 billion to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions. Opponents warn that both laws impose burdens extending beyond California, affecting businesses nationwide.
The legal disputes, including lawsuits from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 25 Republican attorneys general, may have broader implications for national policy as California’s actions are scrutinized amid upcoming elections. The final decision on these laws will likely rest with the Supreme Court, as they symbolize a larger struggle over state and federal climate policies.
Source link
