The American Sustainable Business Network's monthly newsletter highlighting news on policy, business, capital, and more. 

MAKING AN IMPACT

ASBN is committed to working with and alongside our network to develop and elevate the policy solutions needed for inclusive and long-lasting systems change.

Thank you all for your part in advancing our mission.


** TAKE NOTE
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]

ICYMI, on Thursday, August 28, 2024, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) ([link removed]) sued Texas on behalf of members, including Etho Capital ([link removed]) and Sphere ([link removed]) , for violating the free speech and association rights protected under the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution through the implementation of SB-13—a law that penalizes investors that choose not to make investments in fossil fuel companies and businesses that choose not to pursue practices and products that are fossil-fuel reliant.

Here is a selection of some of the news coverage (pared down from more than 50 sources):

1. New York Times, Business Group Sues Texas Officials Over Law That Shields Oil Industry ([link removed])
2. Bloomberg, Texas officials sued over anti-ESG law targeting Wall Street ([link removed])
3. S&P Global, Business group sues Texas officials over 2021 anti-ESG law ([link removed])
4. PoliticoPRO, Group sues to block Texas anti-ESG law ([link removed])
5. Financial Times, Does ESG Investing Count as Free Speach? ([link removed])
6. The Dallas Morning News, Business group sues to strike Texas’ anti-ESG investment ban ([link removed])
7. Houston Chronicle, Business Group Sues Texas to Stop Unconstitutional Assault on Free Speech and Due Process (Column) ([link removed])
8. Houston Chronicle, Group sues over Texas law targeting companies for fossil fuel boycotts ([link removed])
9. Reuters, Texas is sued over anti-ESG law ([link removed])
10. E&E News, Texas anti-ESG law faces First Amendment challenge ([link removed])
11. Responsible Investor, Litigation against Texas fossil fuel boycott law ‘could be copied in other states.’ ([link removed])

View the Complaint ([link removed]) , see the Press Release ([link removed]) and the most recent updates ([link removed]) .
[link removed]

Read the blog post ([link removed]) to learn more about the IRA's impact and what’s next for clean energy!

Last month, ASBN released our latest blog post, "5 Ways the Inflation Reduction Act is Shaping The Clean Energy Future: A Two-Year Review." August 16th marked the second anniversary of this landmark legislation, and we couldn't be more thrilled about the progress we've seen!

The Inflation Reduction Act has made historic contributions to climate resiliency, demonstrating that impactful policies can pave the way for a sustainable future. From its positive effects on clean energy implementation to its protection of climate-smart agriculture, the IRA is a game-changer.


** TAKE ACTION
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]

ICYMI, ASBN, and our partners, Businesses for Bristol Bay, have produced a letter from our broad coalition of nationwide businesses. Please use our letter to let Congress know your business supports the Bristol Bay Protection Act ([link removed]) .

We will amplify your support by adding your business name to the larger sign-on letter with Businesses for Bristol Bay. Send your letter to Congress today ([link removed]) !

Don’t miss out on the latest news! Join us by following ASBN across social media. Like and share some of our recent posts to voice your concerns and show your support for a more just and sustainable economy! It’s never been more important to stand together. We hope to see you there!
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

Meet the New Members of ASBC and ASBN’s Boards!

We are excited to announce that the ASBC Board (501c4) has three new members: Kevin Christensen, Eryn Banton and Michael Shuman. The ASBN Board (501c3) has five new members: Jason Rebello, Vicki Lee Parker High, Nelson Reyneri, Gay Browne and OJ Seaman. See below for profiles on three of our new board members.

Eryn Banton, ASBC Board Member

Eryn Banton is the visionary founder and executive director of Color in Green, a global education-to-advocacy platform committed to elevating the voices of Black, Indigenous, and people of color in the fight for equitable climate solutions. Inspired by her experience in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sector, Eryn launched Color in Green to bridge the gap between environmental advocacy and the lived experiences of minority communities. At the core of the mission is the belief that a sustainable and just future is only achievable when all voices are included and all perspectives are considered. Eryn's dedication to these principles is reflected in her thought-provoking article on the disempowerment of the African American community through the misuse of "woke" terminology in ESG practices, which has been widely recognized for its depth and impact. You can read her insights here
([link removed]) .

Jason Rebello, ASBN Board Member

Jason Rebello is a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader with over 15 years of experience driving innovation through inclusivity and collaboration. As Managing Partner of Firefly Inclusion Solutions, he has become a leading expert in adaptive leadership, and high-trust cultures, helping organizations leverage diversity for organizational success. Jason’s work spans startups, established businesses, and large corporations, where he has trained and advised over fifteen thousand leaders in forty-three countries to create inclusive, purpose-driven organizations through strategic frameworks and leadership transformation. Jason believes in a paradigm shift toward cultivating innovative cultures that thrive in disruption and lead positive societal change. Jason holds a BA in Business and International Relations from Lake Forest College, an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and is pursuing a PhD in Value-Creating Education for Global
Citizenship at DePaul University.

Kevin Christensen, ASBC Board Member

Kevin has decades of experience and expertise working at the intersection of economic, climate and social justice issues with diverse communities across the US. Over his career, he has worked for the National AFL-CIO, the California Labor Federation, and the Service Employees International Union. In 2019, he launched a consulting firm, Take Bread Strategies, where he works with a variety of client organizations, including the National Employment Law Center, Climate Justice Alliance, Rutgers University, University of California and many others. Kevin has collaboratively developed strategies with workers, employers and community organizations in multiple sectors and geographies aimed at centering a just, diverse and equitable transition to a green and caring economy.

Celebrating the Success of Our IYCRTPP Alumni

We are thrilled to congratulate two of our Indigenous Youth Climate Resiliency Through Public Policy (IYCRTPP) Alumni on their incredible recent accomplishments!

Jael Whitney Brothers (Choctaw) has been hired as the Assistant Director of Honoring Nations at the Harvard Kennedy School Project on Indigenous Governance and Development. In her new role, Jael will manage the Honoring Nations awards cycle, working to identify, celebrate, and share outstanding examples of local self-governance. A proud citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Jael is also on track to graduate with her MA in Community Economic Development from Northwest University in Spring 2025. Read more about Jael's journey here ([link removed]) .

Angel Stickman (Shungnak) has been selected as one of the ten members of the 2024-25 Planet Forward Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents. This passionate and diverse group is dedicated to communicating environmental issues and solutions within their communities and beyond. The Ilíiaitchik program's namesake, which translates to “speak good things” from Apsáalooke, truly reflects the mission that Angel and her peers are championing. Learn more about Angel's role here ([link removed]) .

We at ASBN are so proud of both of our alumni and the profound impact they continue to have on Indian Country and the world!

ASBN Webinars

American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) ([link removed]) and its ASBC members get exclusive access to most ASBN Live webinar recordings and speaker slides.

What’s next?

No webinars are currently scheduled; however, from our recent regenerative agriculture webinars, here are a few other ways you can engage with the wider community to advance farmworker justice within your supply chain:
* Download the Growing Our Future toolkit Bridging the Gap: Including Social Outcomes in Regenerative Agriculture Standards and Certifications ([link removed]) .
* Read ASBN’s Business Case for Safer Alternatives to Pesticides and Fertilizers ([link removed])
* Read ASBN’s high-level 2024 Farm Bill policy priorities here ([link removed]) and the most recent letter to Congress here ([link removed]) .
* Learn about How women farmworkers are advocating for justice and policy change - and how you can, too ([link removed]) .

Do you have an idea for a webinar you would like to discuss? Get in touch with Shanti (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) today!

ASBC Spotted

On August 21, Terrius Harris, Director of Indigenous Partnerships & Inclusive Economy, representing ASBC (Policy & Membership partner to ASBN), spoke on the Small Business panel at the DNC Convention.

Here’s a short highlight of what he said:

“…When we think of innovation, we don't always think of the inclusivity that comes with innovation. And so, just to harp back on the IRA, and specifically the unprecedented amount of investment within Indian country, we have seen a lot of great Indigenous-led businesses have the opportunity to stand up and fill in some of the spaces that were previously empty, especially when it comes to energy transition. I think about one of our members, the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, who is trying to address the regulatory practices of FERC and make it more accessible for tribal nations and Indigenous-led businesses to access the same resources that normal businesses are able to access. They are able to now get a seat at the table because of their inclusion, not only in the IRA but also by giving them a better platform to stand on and also giving them an opportunity to be a part of the green new future as well.”

[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TO BE FEATURED HERE AND REACH THOUSANDS OF ALIGNED BUSINESSES AND CONSUMERS? REACH OUT TO SHANTI HOLLOWAY (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) , DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SUCCESS, TO JOIN ASBC AS A MEMBER.

Program Coordinator for Connecticut Sustainable Business Council’s (the Council) New Sustainability and ESG Training for Small Manufacturers

The Council is a non-profit business association dedicated to advancing sustainability in business across Connecticut. They aim to create a thriving and sustainable business ecosystem by fostering innovation, collaboration, training and education. The Council seeks a dynamic and dedicated Program Coordinator to join their team.

Location: Connecticut (Remote/Hybrid). Must have Connecticut residency. Compensation: This is a part-time, on-call position (average hours TBD) with an hourly rate of $30/hour and a start date of October 15, 2024. Find out more. ([link removed])

ASBN’s Working Groups and Task Forces allow members to shape and engage in policy work organized around significant issue areas and specific campaigns. Contact Shanti Holloway (mailto:[email protected]) , Director of Membership Success, to get involved in working groups and learn about other membership benefits.

ASBN-BizNGO Chemicals Policy

We engage in public policy initiatives for safer chemicals and sustainable materials.

Business for Democracy

Believes that a strong democracy is essential for a vibrant entrepreneurial economy.

Business for Democracy Collaboratives have been established in eight states to raise the voice of small businesses to protect democracy.

Circular Economy

Emphasizes recycling, reuse, sharing, repair, and remanufacturing, and the reduction of waste, pollution, and carbon emissions throughout the economy; meets the third Wednesday of each month.

Clean Water is Good For Business

The Clean Water is Good For Business: Delaware River Watershed Steering Committee works with businesses based in the Delaware River watershed to advocate for cleaner water.

Climate and Energy

Identifies key problems, solutions, and strategies to address our planet's climate and energy crisis.

Livable Planet

Dedicated to the shared mission of protecting and renewing life on planet Earth. LPWG is a place for learning, collaborating, and amplifying the good work happening in the world..

Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Network

The Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Network (PASBN) is dedicated to promoting sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship across the state. We serve as a collaborative platform for businesses, nonprofits, and communities committed to creating a resilient and equitable economy.

Regenerative Agriculture and Justice

Working with farmers and other agricultural stakeholders, we advocate for sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and support for underserved and BIPOC farmers.

To find out what you missed in recent calls and to get involved, contact Shanti Holloway (mailto:[email protected]) , Director of Membership Success.

Investors Circle ([link removed]) (IC) is excited to head into the Fall season with great momentum as an independent non-profit rooted in connecting investors with early-stage and high-growth for-profit social and/or environmental impact companies. IC fosters a community of investors investing in entrepreneurs where profit meets purpose.

Membership, Sponsorship and Donations ([link removed]) are now active! Join IC's community of 100+ investor members who have deployed $275MM+ to 350+ companies over the past 30 years. We welcome people to participate in providing time, treasure and talent in service of business for good.

We have several regional in-person and online events soon. Upcoming events are posted online ([link removed]) . Please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) if you would like to attend an IC event or have questions.
* Virtual September National Meetings: Held monthly on first Thursdays from noon – 2:00p ET. In the September 19 virtual meeting, we will focus on the cleantech/climate sector, have a special speaker and hear opportunity pitches from a select group of early-stage investment opportunities. Look for more details when we announce the full agenda for the second week of September.
* Philadelphia Luncheon – Live Gathering: Wednesday, September 25 from noon – 2:00p ET
* San Francisco Bay Area – Live Gathering: First week of October in-person, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) with interest. Details finalized shortly
* Washington DC – Live Gathering: Early November in-person, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) with interest. Details finalized shortly

Are you a current active ASBN Member and receiving this email?

If so, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) so we can move your email address so you can receive the members-only newsletter with more exclusive content and opportunities instead!
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

Copyright (C) 2024 American Sustainable Business Network. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email as someone who registered for an ASBN event or service, you have been a member, or you have communicated with ASBN previously.
Our mailing address is:
American Sustainable Business Network
712 H Street NE
PMB 42
Washington, DC 20002
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can
update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed])