May. 15, 2022
Dear Chair Gary Gensler, I am composing this message today to voice my support of proposal S7-10-22, which will require companies to reveal audited greenhouse gas emissions similar to how they are required to disclose audited financials. It seems very important to me that the SEC approve the proposal making companies obligated to disclose climate-related risks, and metrics which indicate those risks. Climate-related risks have reached historic and catastrophic levels. Voluntary guidance is inadequate. Existing disclosures do not adequately protect investors and shareholders who want to monitor the extent to which a company's behavior is consistent with its public statements. The current disclosures make it difficult for investors and shareholders to make investment or voting decisions aligned with their risk tolerances or ESG concerns. Many companies publish sustainability reports but few include emissions data in their SEC filings. Consistent, comparable and reliable disclosures on material climate-related risks will serve both investors and capital markets. I support requiring reporting of Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions, with a safe harbor from liability for reporting on Scope 3 emissions for one year. Its important that companies be held more responsive to shareholders. Sincerely, Sincerely, Matthew Helgeson