– Republican-led Missouri lawmakers’ attempt to halt climate-action investments fails
– State Secretary of Missouri stands as a bulwark against such environmental protection curtailments
– Benefits of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investments underscored
Missouri Blocks Attempt to Limit Climate-Conscious Investing
Legislative Roadblock
While some states with Republican leaders are embracing policies to curb Eco-friendly investment practices, labeling them as ‘woke’, Missouri seems to be charting a different course. During the 2023 legislative session, state lawmakers attempted to pass a bill prohibiting any state involvement with banks inclined towards climate action or other socially driven investments. But, unlike their counterparts in other states, their attempts stumbled and eventually fell flat.
The State Secretary’s Stand
This failure came as a significant relief to many, including the Missouri Secretary of State, who fervently believes in the importance of environmental sustainability and the role of financial institutions in achieving it. The Secretary has been an unwavering flag bearer for conscious investing and has used this opportunity to further emphasize the growing importance of ESG, or Environmental, Social, and Governance investments, as a way to foster both economic and green growth.
Relevance of ESG Investments
Environmental matters aren’t just a concern for nature-lovers and scientists anymore. They’re increasingly a top priority for investors, given the mounting evidence that companies with robust ESG practices tend to perform well and pose less risk in the long run. This understanding is leading to more banks taking the path of ESG investments, which involve layers of checks and balances to ensure that the investments they’re offering align with these principles.
The Breezy Take
Missouri’s recent legislative hiccup underlines an important trend: green isn’t going anywhere. While some lawmakers attempted to swat down eco-friendly investing, labeling it a ‘woke’ agenda, the Secretary of State and also the investors are seeing things differently. ESG isn’t just about catering to a new age philosophy, but about embracing a future that balances economic prosperity with ecological stewardship. The future of investing isn’t just green — it’s multi-dimensional, prioritizing not just profit, but the planet and people too. Missouri’s stand in this legislative session underscores this evolution, and it’s a stand we should all be watching closely.
Original article: https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/09/missouris-secretary-of-state-reins-in-environmentally-minded-investing/