No three letters have stoked as much recent ire as “ESG.” Fortunately, recent trends suggest a “new ESG” could be a powerful financial opportunity for states and localities. ESG stands for “environmental, social, and governance investment principles.” At its core, it’s the idea that investors can make money without harming people or the planet. That means not investing in industries like fossil fuel production or tobacco. It also means avoiding companies with questionable records on human rights, employee relations, and shareholder protections, among many other factors.

• Publication date: April 2024
• Author: Justin Marlowe