The ESG Report

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. In this special 3-part series, I take a deep dive into EV battery regulation in the US and EU. In this Part 3, we consider EU legislation and regulatory requirements for EV batteries and EV battery supply chains.  Pamela Fierst-Walsh is a prominent voice in critical mineral supply chain issues and a recognized leader in policy development, ESG issues, and international affairs.  From 2017-2021, Pamela drove the reorientation of U.S. diplomacy toward prioritization of minerals supply chains as the U.S. State Department’s Senior Advisor for Critical Minerals.  She coordinated the U.S. The Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Energy worked together to support National Security and Economic Council agendas. In June 2021, she played a key role in shaping the Biden Administration’s 100-day Supply Chain Review on Building Resilient American Supply Chains to improve U.S. competitiveness for clean energy and technological advancement, which set the foundation for greater U.S. clean energy investment under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and other acts.  She regularly advises senior U.S. officials, private sector actors, and foreign counterparts.  In 2023, she joined the Board of IMPACT, a non-profit organization focused on empowering communities through greater governance of the natural resources they rely upon.  She is the CEO of PFW Advisory, LLC, and is based in Washington, DC. Pamela’s viewpoint on EU battery regulation is that it is a revolutionary measure in establishing detailed categories and requirements for batteries, such as portability, usage in cars, and electric vehicles, regardless of where they are manufactured. Drawing from her extensive expertise, Fierst-Walsh has noted the similarities between EU regulations and the existing requirements in the United States, particularly in terms of sustainability and reusability scores. QA1QQ1QAdditionally, she emphasizes the importance of the battery passport as it offers comprehensive insights into a battery’s manufacturing details, carbon footprint, materials, and performance. Moreover, she does not overlook the potential difficulties manufacturers might encounter in ensuring compliance, particularly in documenting supply chains and meeting the upcoming deadlines for carbon footprints and recycled content targets. Key Highlights: Battery Passport Implementation in EU Regulations Battery Supply Chain Due Diligence Protocol Mineral Sourcing Guidelines and Global Compliance Resources: Pamela Fierst-Walsh on LinkedIn Tom Fox  Connect with me on the following sites: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. In this special 3-part series, I take a deep dive into EV battery regulation in the US and EU. In this Part 2, we consider the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on EV battery production and purchase.  Pamela Fierst-Walsh is a prominent voice in critical minerals supply chain issues and recognized leader in policy development, ESG issues, and international affairs.  From 2017-2021, Pamela drove the reorientation of U.S. diplomacy toward prioritization of minerals supply chains as the U.S. State Department’s Senior Advisor for Critical Minerals.  She coordinated the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense and Energy as they worked together to support National Security and Economic Council agendas.  In June 2021, she played a key role in shaping the Biden Administration’s 100-day Supply Chain Review on Building Resilient American Supply Chains to improve U.S. competitiveness for clean energy and technological advancement, which set the foundation for greater U.S. clean energy investment under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and other acts.  She regularly advises senior U.S. officials, private sector actors, and foreign counterparts.  In 2023, she joined the Board of IMPACT, a non-profit organization focused on empowering communities by greater governance of the natural resources they rely upon.  She is the CEO of PFW Advisory, LLC and based in Washington, DC. Pamela’s perspective on the Inflation Reduction Act, especially on the consumer tax incentives for EV battery purchases, is shaped by her deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, regulatory requirements and the legislation. She views the Act as an excellent opportunity for consumers to significantly reduce the cost of EV battery purchases, while also stipulating manufacturers to track and ensure the traceability of components in their supply chains for compliance with the Act. She underlines the broader implications of the Act, which beyond consumer incentives, nudges manufacturers to adapt their supply chain practices and consider potential reputational risks associated with non-compliance. Pamela sees the Inflation Reduction Act as a multifaceted initiative that benefits consumers and prompts manufacturers to align their operations with regulatory requirements and evolving business norms. Key Highlights ·       EV Battery Discount and Supply Chain Transparency ·       Strategic Resource Control for Domestic Manufacturing ·       Critical Minerals Supply Chain Compliance Standards ·       Due Diligence and Compliance Resources Pamela Fierst-Walsh on LinkedIn  Tom Fox  Connect with me on the following sites: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

Tom Fox hosts the ESG Report podcast. In this special 3-part series, I examine EV battery regulation in the US and EU. Part 1 considers US Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOCs) for EV battery production. Pamela Fierst-Walsh is a prominent voice in critical mineral supply chain issues and a recognized leader in policy development, ESG issues, and international affairs. From 2017 to 2021, she drove the reorientation of U.S. diplomacy toward prioritizing mineral supply chains as the U.S. State Department’s Senior Advisor for Critical Minerals. She coordinated the U.S. The Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Energy worked together to support National Security and Economic Council agendas.  In June 2021, she played a key role in shaping the Biden Administration’s 100-day Supply Chain Review on Building Resilient American Supply Chains to improve U.S. competitiveness for clean energy and technological advancement, which set the foundation for greater U.S. clean energy investment under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and other acts.  She regularly advises senior U.S. officials, private sector actors, and foreign counterparts.  In 2023, she joined the Board of IMPACT, a non-profit organization focused on empowering communities through greater governance of the natural resources they rely upon. She is the CEO of PFW Advisory, LLC, and is based in Washington, DC. Pamela’s perspective on the Department of Energy and Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC) definitions is centered around the vital role these definitions play in unlocking the $6 billion funding available for domestic battery material processing, manufacturing, and recycling. She firmly believes that by understanding and complying with these definitions, businesses can tap into the incentives provided by the bipartisan infrastructure law. Her extensive experience in supply chain management, where she has seen the value of comprehending the entire chain process, from material extraction to manufacturing and recycling, has shaped her perspective. Pamela encourages businesses to engage with the Department of Energy to ensure compliance and ultimately contribute to advancing the American economy. Key Highlights: Battery Material Fund Oversight & Qualification Criteria Domestic Battery Material Processing Fund Initiative Mineral Transformation in EV Battery Supply Chain Due Diligence and Compliance Resources: Pamela Fierst-Walsh on LinkedIn Tom Fox  Connect with me on the following sites: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than the ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Shireen Muhiudeen, a fund manager who believes sustainability is a good business investment. Shireen Muhiudeen is a well-established fund manager with over 30 years of experience in the equities and private equity domains in Southeast Asia and has been the leader of a firm for two decades. From her extensive background, Shireen Muhiudeen has formed the perspective that ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors and sustainability are integral considerations for any fund manager. She underscores the significance of companies being both socially responsible and environmentally conscious, advocating for a long-term approach that takes into account the impact on communities and the environment. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, she acknowledges the challenges businesses face when resources are scarce and survival becomes a priority over sustainability. Despite these challenges, she emphasizes the need for awareness, adaptability, and a balanced approach to addressing risk, demonstrating her belief in the importance of sustainable practices for long-term success. Key Highlights: Cost-Effective ESG Implementation Strategies Fair Treatment of Migrant Labor in Business Future-Focused Investing: ESG Integration and Responsibility Digital Age Stakeholder Engagement Landscape Resources: Shireen Muhiudeen on LinkedIn Corston-Smith Investments We Are All Stakeholders   Tom Fox  Connect with me on the following sites: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn For more information on the Ethico ROI Calculator and a free White Paper on the ROI of Compliance, click here.

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than The ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Pamela Fierst-Walsh, who talks about her career in sustainable minerals and how it has led her to EV batteries. Pamela Fierst-Walsh is a seasoned professional with a rich background in managing environmental and economic challenges in worldwide supply chains. With over 17 years of experience as a US diplomat and a law degree from Indiana University Mauer School of Law, Fierst-Walsh brings a unique perspective to the table. She believes that the transition to electric vehicles is crucial for addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying energy sources, reducing reliance on oil and natural gas, and the need for regulatory measures such as digital product passports and due diligence on supply chains to ensure sustainability. Join Tom Fox and Pamela Fierst-Walsh as they delve deeper into these issues on the next episode of The ESG Report. Key Highlights: Sustainable Transportation: Driving Consumer Demand Minerals Market Dominance in EV Batteries Circular Economy Initiatives in the EU Sustainable Battery Information Sharing for EU Securing Reliable Supply Chains for National Security Resources: Pamela Fierst-Walsh on LinkedIn  Tom Fox  Connect with me on the following sites: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than The ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Christian Harris from Slip Safety Services on Safety as The ‘S’ in ESG Christian Harris is a seasoned safety professional with over a decade of experience, specializing in slip and fall prevention. His passion for safety was sparked by a personal incident, leading him to advocate for the integration of safety measures in business operations. Harris believes that safety should not be viewed merely as a means to prevent accidents but as an enabler of culture, high performance, and profit. He coined the term "safety-nomics" to highlight the positive impact of safety on business performance and uses the success story of Alcoa to illustrate the correlation between a strong safety culture and improved business outcomes. Join Tom Fox and Christian Harris on this episode of the ESG Report as they delve deeper into the importance of integrating safety measures into business operations. Key Highlights: Safety Shifts and Compliance in Energy The Transformative Power of Safety Integration The Significance of Safety in Business Performance Identifying Slip and Fall Factors in Consumer Businesses The Importance of Proactive Safety Culture Resources: Christian Harris on LinkedIn  Tom Fox  Connect with me on the following sites: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than The ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Gregorio Esteban from Miraval on sustainable housing in Latin America. Gregorio Esteban, a serial entrepreneur with a diverse background in entertainment, finance, and real estate, is the founder of Miraval Holdings, a company providing sustainable housing solutions in Latin America. Esteban's perspective on Miraval Holdings' sustainable housing solutions in Latin America is rooted in his belief in the importance of sustainability in the construction industry, particularly in providing affordable and achievable solutions for lower-income populations. His company, which operates in multiple Latin American countries, focuses on developing sustainable microcities, implementing green approaches, and managing waste sustainably. Esteban emphasizes the social aspect of sustainability, including job creation and wealth generation for local families, and suggests a need for a reformulated ESG framework that considers the unique needs of each Latin American country. Join Tom Fox and Gregorio Esteban as they delve deeper into this topic on this episode of The ESG Report. Key Highlights: Sustainable Microcities: Miraval's Green Housing Solutions Sustainable Solutions for Affordable Rural Housing Creating Sustainable Housing Solutions in Latin America Resources: Gregorio Esteban on LinkedIn Miraval Holdings Tom Fox  Connect with me on the following sites: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than The ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Trevor Bronson, Director-Portfolio Strategy at Intelex. Trevor Bronson is a seasoned professional with a robust background in environmental health, safety, and sustainability management. His perspective on user experience, ESG reporting, and sustainability management is shaped by his diverse experiences in the EHS technology space and his current role as the Director of Portfolio Strategy at Intelex EHS software company. Trevor emphasizes the importance of understanding stakeholders' needs and preferences, effective data management, and continuous improvement. He believes in a stakeholder-centric approach, suggesting that organizations should assess their resources, expertise, and technology to determine the most suitable approach for managing and improving ESG metrics. Join Tom Fox and Trevor Bronson as they delve deeper into these insights on the next episode of The ESG Report podcast.   Key Highlights   Sustainable Investing and the Future of Finance Empowering Sustainable Investing with Till Investors Unstoppable Momentum: ESG Programs and Investments Aligning Investment Strategies with Individual Values The Impact of False ESG Claims The Rise of Investor-Driven ESG Programs     Resources Trevor Bronson on LinkedIn Kyle Purcell Till Investors   Tom Fox  Connect with me on the following sites: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than The ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Cally Edgren about Forever Chemicals. Cally Edgren, a Senior Director of the Regulatory Expert team at Assent, has nearly three decades of experience in manufacturing and has dedicated her career to helping manufacturers comply with regulations. Edgren’s perspective on the regulation and impact of PFAS “forever chemicals” in manufacturing is that it is a game changer in the materials compliance world. She explains that PFAS are synthetic chemicals with tight carbon-fluorine bonds that have been used for their fantastic material properties, but these chemicals do not break down and have been found in water supplies and soil, raising health concerns. Edgren notes that regulators are starting to include PFAS chemicals in regulatory instruments, and states are being aggressive in addressing the contamination. She also highlights the supply chain disruption that will occur as major manufacturers like 3M discontinue products containing PFAS, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to consider the broader impact of PFAS regulations on their operations. Join Tom Fox and Cally Edgren on this episode of the ESG Report podcast to learn more about this critical issue. Key Highlights: The Persistence of PFAS Chemicals The Broader Risks of PFAS Contamination Implications of PFAS Regulations on Manufacturers Stricter State Regulations on PFAS Use PFAS Litigation and Industry Disruption Resources: Cally Edgren on LinkedIn Assent Tom Fox Connect with me on the following sites: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than The ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Ben Vivari and Kyle Purcell about ESG investing. Ben Vivari and Kyle Purcell are seasoned professionals with a strong background in business and sustainable investing. Ben Vivari, with his classic MBA and deep interest in corporate social responsibility, co-founded the Till Investors Initiative with Kyle Purcell, recognizing the growing importance and future of ESG investing. Vivari believes that ESG investing is inevitable and will continue to gain momentum, particularly as younger generations gain more financial power. Similarly, Kyle Purcell, a prominent communicator and educator in the financial industry, sees ESG investing as an unstoppable trend. He emphasizes the need for corporations to provide non-financial disclosures to avoid appearing outdated. He believes smaller companies will face challenges if they do not prioritize ESG performance factors. Join Tom Fox, Ben Vivari, and Kyle Purcell on this episode of the ESG Report podcast as they delve deeper into the growing importance and future of ESG investing. Key Highlights: Sustainable Investing and the Future of Finance Empowering Sustainable Investing with Till Investors Unstoppable Momentum: ESG Programs and Investments Aligning Investment Strategies with Individual Values The Impact of False ESG Claims The Rise of Investor-Driven ESG Programs Resources Ben Vivari on LinkedIn Kyle Purcell Till Investors Tom Fox  Connect with me on the following sites: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn