Sep. 16, 2022
Dear Chair Gensler, I am writing today to thank you for implementing changes to how companies disclose their greenhouse gas emissions. For me, it is extremely important to invest in companies that align to my values. I am passionate about protecting the planet and all species and I believe that we can protect the earth and continue to have a strong economy. Thus, I do not invest in companies that support ongoing use of fossil fuels. In addition to investing in companies that align with my values I am also looking to maximize my return on investments. Thus, I need to know which companies are making the necessary changes to be successful in a low-carbon world. Worldwide, businesses and economies are adopting smarter climate 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 strong disclosure rules and transparency 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. 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 begin to finalize these rules, I wanted to thank you for doing everything in your authority to ensure that investors like me have the information we need to be able to make wise investing decisions for a low-carbon future. I am eager to see strong greenhouse gas disclosures, inclusive of Scope 3 emissions, in your final ruling later this year. Thank you for your time, Deborah Milkowski