Proposal on Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors [File No. S7-10-22]
We appreciate the contributions of colleagues who have commented on the SEC’s proposal for mandatory climate-related disclosure rules for public companies (the “Proposal”). In particular, we read with interest two letters analyzing whether the Proposal is within the SEC’s rulemaking authority: one from a group of thirty law professors (the “Thirty Professors’ Letter”) and another by Professor John Coates (the “Coates Letter”). We are moved to offer additional thoughts because these two letters, compared to our prior letter, reflect divergent understandings of the nature and factual background of the Proposal. Moreover, we believe those different understandings will likely play a role in any challenge to final rules that may be adopted pursuant to the Proposal. Illuminating those differences will therefore assist the SEC and ultimately the federal courts.