Tell the SEC to Stand By Its Climate Risk Disclosure Rule!
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s recent move to withdraw its defense of the Climate-Related Disclosures Rule, after receiving tens of thousands of public comments, undermines the established rulemaking process. This rule was developed with significant public feedback, yet now, without a clear explanation, the SEC is backtracking. The withdrawal not only disregards public involvement but also sets a troubling precedent for how rules are handled. To maintain trust and accountability, the SEC should follow its established procedures and ensure that any changes to this rule are open to public comment and scrutiny.
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To:
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins
From:
[Your Name]
Dear Chairman Atkins,
I am concerned by a recent action by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). I am writing to request that you return to the rulemaking process set forth for the SEC and other government agencies. Previously, the SEC issued its rule, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors, after allowing for a public comment period. While there were court challenges to the rule, the SEC has a responsibility to the public to allow comments that it will consider and respond to. Withdrawing your defense of the rule is a disservice to commenters, investors, and companies bound by SEC rules.
In short, I request that you follow a similar rulemaking process to allow public comment to ensure this rule is not withdrawn or changed without input from the public that assisted in its creation. We thank Commissioner Crenshaw for speaking up to voice this. Now, as newly confirmed Chairman, you must also stand up to defend the SEC’s rulemaking process and reverse the SEC's decision to withdraw its defense.
If the SEC is unable to defend the rule, it is only fair that an able party is assigned to defend the rule so that the thousands of public comments submitted on the rule are not lost. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to seeing the precedent your agency set corrected.
Thank you!