ESMA Launches Consultation on Final Technical Standards for European Green Bond External Reviewers
ESMA proposes new Regulatory Technical Standards to strengthen the credibility of European Green Bond external reviews. Rules aim to improve systems, compliance functions, and reliability of information used in green bond assessments. Final standards will be submitted to the European Commission by 21 December 2025, following stakeholder feedback due by 30 May 2025. The European […]
EU Considers Using International Carbon Credits to Meet 2040 Climate Target
The EU may allow international carbon credits to offset part of its 2040 emissions goals — a shift from its domestic-only approach. A dual-track target is under discussion: a lower domestic cut paired with external credit use. Critics warn of fraud, price collapse, and weak accountability linked to international credits. The European Commission is weighing […]
Oxy’s 1PointFive, BlackRock Win EPA Approval for CO2 Storage at Major DAC Facility
Federal Approval: The EPA has approved 1PointFive’s permit to sequester CO₂ from its Texas DAC facility, Stratos. Scale & Timeline: Stratos, one of the world’s largest DAC plants, is set to begin commercial operations later this year, targeting 500,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually. Corporate Demand: Companies like AT&T and Microsoft have already committed to […]
Rio Tinto to Supply 70% of Iron for Low-Carbon Steel Plant in Groundbreaking EU Project
Hydrogen breakthrough: First-ever integration of hydrogen-based direct reduction of iron ore fines with a Smelter for near-zero CO2 steel production. Strategic partnerships: Backed by Rio Tinto, Mitsubishi Corporation, voestalpine, and Primetals Technologies—encompassing the full steel value chain. EU-backed project: Supported by Austrian and EU government funds, with operations launching in 2027 in Linz, Austria. Primetals […]
New York Releases Draft Rule Requiring Major Emitters to Report GHG Emissions By 2027
Mandatory annual reporting: Entities emitting ≥10,000 metric tons of CO2e must begin reporting 2026 data in June 2027. No emissions cuts—yet: The rule is for data collection only; it does not mandate reductions or purchase of allowances. Foundation for cap-and-invest: Reporting supports a future $1B/year emissions trading system aligned with New York’s Climate Act. New […]
