While some Idaho legislators and interest groups have expressed deep concern about environmental, social and governance standards in the business world and say it’s part of a “woke agenda” from liberal activists, the president of the Gem State’s largest business organization says the standards are the latest “boogeyman” meant to sow political chaos and division.
A large group of Idaho politicians and lobbyists met at the Statehouse on Tuesday for a discussion about the standards — which are better known as ESG — in the credit rating and business investment space. ESG ratings are part of a process meant to measure certain aspects of a company or entity that may indicate social consciousness, commitment to sustainability and potential investment risks.
The environmental factors for ESG scores include considerations such as carbon emissions, air and water pollution and green energy initiatives, while the social components include commitment to diversity and customer satisfaction, and governance includes factors such as diversity of board members, executive pay and lobbying activities.
Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth hosted the discussion with U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, who joined remotely, as well as Sen. Steve Vick, R-Dalton Gardens, and Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay. Guest speakers included Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur who wrote a book called, “Woke, Inc: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Scam,”…
