Shareholder proposal votes that fall into the environmental category include those that address the natural environment, such as climate change, emissions, pollution, and natural resource usage, and the business activities that amplify or mitigate those effects.
TOOLS
Login to access your documents and resources.
Vote rationales on shareholder proposals at S&P 500 companies: Environmental
| COMPANY NAME | INDUSTRY | MEETING DATE | PROPOSAL TEXT | NUVEEN SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL CATEGORY | MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATION | VOTE INSTRUCTION | ISSUE VOTING PRINCIPLE | VOTE RATIONALE |
| The Procter & Gamble Company | Household Products | 10/13/2020 | Report on Efforts to Eliminate Deforestation | Natural Resources | Against | For | Environmental sustainability is a critical strategic issue for businesses across sectors. We believe how a company manages its impacts on the natural environment can support longer-term sustainable growth, or present unmitigated costs and risks. Companies should develop a strategic, long-term approach to addressing environmental risks and opportunities. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure or reports relating to a company’s initiatives to reduce any harmful impacts or other hazards to local, regional or global ecosystems that result from its operations or activities. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on the materiality of the outcome as it relates to the risks and opportunities that will drive long-term value for the company and industry. |
| Charter Communications, Inc. | Media | 4/27/2021 | Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Disclosure | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on company-specific materiality and factors related to the strategy and oversight of the underlying issue. |
| DuPont de Nemours, Inc. | Chemicals | 4/28/2021 | Report on Plastic Pollution | Natural Resources | Against | For | Environmental sustainability is a critical strategic issue for businesses across sectors. We believe how a company manages its impacts on the natural environment can support longer-term sustainable growth, or present unmitigated costs and risks. Companies should develop a strategic, long-term approach to addressing environmental risks and opportunities. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure or reports relating to a company’s initiatives to reduce any harmful impacts or other hazards to local, regional or global ecosystems that result from its operations or activities. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on factors related to a material company or industry controversy that have not been addressed fully. |
| Berkshire Hathaway Inc. | Diversified Financial Services | 5/1/2021 | Report on Climate-Related Risks and Opportunities | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on the materiality of the outcome as it relates to the risks and opportunities that will drive long-term value for the company and industry. |
| General Electric Company | Industrial Conglomerates | 5/4/2021 | Report on Meeting the Criteria of the Net Zero Indicator | Climate Change | For | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on the materiality of the outcome as it relates to the risks and opportunities that will drive long-term value for the company and industry. |
| T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. | Capital Markets | 5/11/2021 | Report on and Assess Proxy Voting Policies in Relation to Climate Change Position | Climate Change | Against | Against | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is not warranted based on how the intended outcome will change the risks and opportunities for the company and industry in creating long-term value. |
| ConocoPhillips | Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 5/11/2021 | Emission Reduction Targets | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on the materiality of the thematic issue addressed and the need for the company to be more accountable in furthering the outcome as stated [or intended] in the proposal. |
| Phillips 66 | Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 5/12/2021 | Adopt GHG Emissions Reduction Targets | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on factors related to material stakeholder risks that have not been addressed fully. |
| Phillips 66 | Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 5/12/2021 | Report on Climate Lobbying | Climate Change | Against | Against | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is not warranted on the basis that the current state of disclosure on the issue is sufficient to evaluate performance and support integration into the investment process. |
| United Parcel Service, Inc. | Air Freight & Logistics | 5/13/2021 | Report on Climate Change | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on the materiality of the outcome as it relates to the risks and opportunities that will drive long-term value for the company and industry. |
| Union Pacific Corporation | Road & Rail | 5/13/2021 | Annual Vote and Report on Climate Change | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on the materiality of the thematic issue addressed and the need for the company to be more accountable in furthering the outcome as stated [or intended] in the proposal. |
| Norfolk Southern Corporation | Road & Rail | 5/13/2021 | Report on Corporate Climate Lobbying Aligned with Paris Agreement | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on the materiality of the thematic issue addressed and the need for the company to be more accountable in furthering the outcome as stated [or intended] in the proposal. |
| Sempra Energy | Multi-Utilities | 5/14/2021 | Report on Corporate Climate Lobbying Aligned with Paris Agreement | Climate Change | Against | Against | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is not warranted based on the company demonstrating sufficient accountability in addressing the intended outcome associated with the thematic issue. |
| Chevron Corporation | Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 5/26/2021 | Reduce Scope 3 Emissions | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on company-specific materiality and factors related to the strategy and oversight of the underlying issue. |
| Chevron Corporation | Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 5/26/2021 | Report on Impacts of Net Zero 2050 Scenario | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted on the basis that more robust disclosures are required on the issue to improve market-wide transparency and support integration into the investment process. |
| United Airlines Holdings, Inc. | Airlines | 5/26/2021 | Report on Global Warming-Related Lobbying Activities | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted on the basis that more robust disclosures are required on the issue to improve market-wide transparency and support integration into the investment process. |
| Amazon.com, Inc. | Internet & Direct Marketing Retail | 5/26/2021 | Report on the Impacts of Plastic Packaging | Natural Resources | Against | For | Environmental sustainability is a critical strategic issue for businesses across sectors. We believe how a company manages its impacts on the natural environment can support longer-term sustainable growth, or present unmitigated costs and risks. Companies should develop a strategic, long-term approach to addressing environmental risks and opportunities. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure or reports relating to a company’s initiatives to reduce any harmful impacts or other hazards to local, regional or global ecosystems that result from its operations or activities. | Support for the proposal is warranted on the basis that the company’s current disclosures do not provide sufficient transparency to evaluate fully the risks and opportunities associated with the underlying issue. |
| Exxon Mobil Corporation | Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 5/26/2021 | Issue Audited Report on Financial Impacts of IEA's Net Zero 2050 Scenario | Climate Change | None | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted on the basis that more robust disclosures are required on the issue to improve market-wide transparency and support integration into the investment process. |
| Exxon Mobil Corporation | Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 5/26/2021 | Report on Corporate Climate Lobbying Aligned with Paris Agreement | Climate Change | None | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on the materiality of the thematic issue addressed and the need for the company to be more accountable in furthering the outcome as stated [or intended] in the proposal. |
| Walmart Inc. | Food & Staples Retailing | 6/2/2021 | Report on Refrigerants Released from Operations | Climate Change | Against | Against | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is not warranted based on the company demonstrating sufficient accountability in addressing the intended outcome associated with the thematic issue. |
| Booking Holdings Inc. | Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | 6/3/2021 | Annual Investor Advisory Vote on Climate Plan | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on the materiality of the thematic issue addressed and the need for the company to be more accountable in furthering the outcome as stated [or intended] in the proposal. |
| Booking Holdings Inc. | Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | 6/3/2021 | Report on Annual Climate Transition | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on the materiality of the outcome as it relates to the risks and opportunities that will drive long-term value for the company and industry. |
| Caterpillar Inc. | Machinery | 6/9/2021 | Report on Climate Policy | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on factors related to material stakeholder risks that have not been addressed fully. |
| Monster Beverage Corporation | Beverages | 6/15/2021 | Annual Vote and Report on Climate Change | Climate Change | Against | Against | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is not warranted as the proposal is not an effective or practical means to address the underlying issue or achieve the intended outcome. |
| Delta Air Lines, Inc. | Airlines | 6/17/2021 | Report on Climate Lobbying | Climate Change | Against | For | We believe measures that mitigate the costs and risks associated with climate change and provide greater market certainty regarding a transition to a low-carbon economy support longer-term sustainable growth. Companies should assess material climate-related risks and resource efficiency in operations, production processes, and supply chain management, and should publicly disclose relevant data related to both. Disclosure should capture how climate change may impact the company’s long term business outlook, strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on a company’s business activities and products and strategies designed to reduce the company’s long-term impact on the global climate. | Support for the proposal is warranted based on the materiality of the outcome as it relates to the risks and opportunities that will drive long-term value for the company and industry. |
| The Kroger Co. | Food & Staples Retailing | 6/24/2021 | Assess Environmental Impact of Non-Recyclable Packaging | Natural Resources | Against | For | Environmental sustainability is a critical strategic issue for businesses across sectors. We believe how a company manages its impacts on the natural environment can support longer-term sustainable growth, or present unmitigated costs and risks. Companies should develop a strategic, long-term approach to addressing environmental risks and opportunities. We will generally support reasonable shareholder resolutions seeking disclosure or reports relating to a company’s initiatives to reduce any harmful impacts or other hazards to local, regional or global ecosystems that result from its operations or activities. | Support for the proposal is warranted on the basis that more robust disclosures are required on the issue to improve market-wide transparency and support integration into the investment process. |
Related articles
Despite 2023 being an unprecedented year of challenges, we remain focused on advancing responsible investing practices, with preserving and enhancing long-term shareholder value at the center of our approach.
As we transition to a low-carbon economy, how can investors respond to the opportunities while managing the risks and meeting investment objectives? Discover the investment implications of climate change and prepare for the future with our tools and resources.
The momentum and support for environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration into the investment process has reached critical mass.
