SEC’s Lee Eyes ESG Audit Mandate, Floats U.S. Standard Setter

Information that companies share about greenhouse gas emissions and diversity programs should one day undergo external audits much as financial statements do, acting SEC Chair Allison Lee said Monday.

• Lee announced a call for public comment on whether the Securities and Exchange Commission should mandate that companies report more information about their environmental, social, and governance risks, known as ESG. Lee is chairing the commission as President Joe Biden’s nominee for the post, Gary Gensler, awaits full Senate confirmation.
• Included on a list of issues the SEC is seeking comment on is the role of independent auditors and the audit ...