An Oklahoma judge recently made a significant decision by issuing a permanent injunction against the enforcement of a state law that targeted financial firms for divestment purposes. The Energy Discrimination Elimination Act, which led to four investment banks being banned from underwriting municipal bonds, faced opposition due to its vague nature and violation of Oklahoma’s
Politics
The recent poll conducted in California reveals the high importance that voters in the state place on environmental policy, with many indicating that it could potentially influence their choice for president. Most voters are in favor of a $10 billion bond measure that would fund flood control and climate resiliency projects. Additionally, a majority of
The capacity of state transportation departments has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the high infrastructure costs in the United States. According to a recent study presented at the Brookings Municipal Finance Conference, the shrinking workforce within state DOTs over the past decade has led to outsourcing and the hiring of expensive consultants.
The debate over strategies and long-term fiscal responsibility regarding pension investments in funds that favor environmental, social, and governance factors continues to be a hot topic among red and blue state treasurers. While some argue that ESG is a key strategy to determine the long-term sustainability of a company, others believe that it may invite
The Biden administration recently announced a $5 billion allocation for the repair of more than a dozen aging bridges across 16 states. These bridges have been identified as some of the most economically significant in America and are in urgent need of investment to ensure the safety and connectivity of whole regions. Transportation Secretary Pete
The Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock, Larry Fink, recently highlighted the major opportunities in private infrastructure investment. He emphasized the increasing demand for capital and infrastructure, especially in areas like financing data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) and supporting the energy transition. Fink pointed out that private capital will play a critical role in addressing
Jerome Powell, the current Federal Reserve Chair, has confirmed that he will be completing his four-year term as the top official within the Fed Board of Governors, which ends in May 2026. This confirmation came during an onstage interview at the Economic Club of Washington, D.C. on Monday afternoon. However, Powell declined to speculate on
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine, House Republican leaders have initiated a review of the Biden administration’s environmental, social, and governance agency regulations. This decision has led to significant concerns among policymakers regarding the impact of the ruling on existing regulations and future rulemaking. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
The Biden administration recently announced that public infrastructure built with federal emergency funds must adhere to stricter flood-risk standards to combat the escalating climate risk. This new standard, years in the making, mandates that buildings and other infrastructure constructed with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds should either be elevated higher above local flood levels
The replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is facing a significant hurdle due to a shortage of Federal Highway Administration emergency relief funds. Senate Environmental Committee ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito highlighted the pressing issue by pointing out that the ER program lacks the necessary funding for all eligible projects. The current