Update to recently released CMRT
The Responsible Minerals Initiative has released version 6.31 of the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT). The updated version includes minor revisions to version 6.3 released in early May.
Download version 6.31 here
Proposed ISSB revisions to SASB Standards
Organizations should remain alert to the developments from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and other ESG global standard setters that might affect U.S. subsidiaries of companies domiciled in other countries. The ISSB, which governs the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards, has proposed revisions to references of specific jurisdictional laws and regulations within the SASB Standards to help improve international applicability and remove regional bias. The comment period ends on Aug. 9, 2023.
Read about the consultation
EPA amendments to TSCA procedures
On May 26, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed amendments to the new chemicals procedural regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act(TSCA). Among the proposed amendments, the EPA is considering restricting perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemical substances from low volume exemptions (LVEs) and low release and exposure exemptions (LoREXs). Comments on the proposal must be received on or before July 25, 2023.
Explore the proposed rule
Canadian risk management scope for PFAS
On May 20, the Government of Canada proposed a risk management scope for PFAS, which assesses potential PFAS risks and concludes that all PFAS substances have the potential to cause harm to the environment and human health. The proposal recommends that PFAS be added to the List of Toxic Substances in Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), which would allow the government to implement PFAS risk management measures. Comments on the risk management scope must be received on or before July 19, 2023.
Get the details
Australian-U.S. critical mineral supply chain priorities
On May 20, Australia and the U.S. signed the Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact, which recognizes the importance of coordinating climate policies. Among several priorities, the compact highlights the need to expand and diversify responsible critical mineral supply chains.
Read more about the compact
Global Slavery Index 2023
On May 24, the international human rights group Walk Free published the fifth edition of its Global Slavery Index, which provides analysis of modern slavery across 160 countries. According to the findings, $468 billion of goods imported by the G20 are potentially produced by forced labor. These goods include cattle, coal, cocoa, coffee, electronics, fish, garments, gold, palm oil, rice, solar panels, sugar cane, textiles, and timber.
Download the index |
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