"The main point is that this is a change primarily in name only," said Ben Watkins, head of the state's Bond Division. "There will be no impact on debt whatsoever."

A panel of experts at The Bond Buyer's National Outlook Conference discussed the opportunities surrounding ESG for both investors and issuers.

Prior to last year, there were varied expectations from investors that led to confusing directions and expectations for issuers. In other words, there was a lack of consistency from investors on ESG matters.

The city received $217 million of retail orders — a rarity in Illinois where local bonds don't benefit from state tax exemption — and interest from 11 ESG funds.

The company transferred its second party opinion business and analytical staff to Moody's Investors Service from Moody's ESG Solutions in October.

The Texas attorney general's office determined a Citigroup commercial firearms policy does not comply with a 2021 state law prohibiting state and local government contracts with companies that discriminate against the firearms industry.

Gov. Phil Murphy is behind the push for the Garden State to develop offshore wind power, ramping up from 3,500 megawatts by 2030 to 11,000 megawatts by 2040.

New regulations appear to be highlighting disagreements on major muni market topics.

The 150-acre facility is expected to create about 200 local full-time positions and between 500 and 1,000 indirect local jobs.

IDE Technologies proposed a privately financed project to bolster Arizona's water supply by delivering desalinated water from Mexico to the state via a pipeline.

Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Florida, talks with Chip Barnett about the county's robust economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. She talks about how the seaport and airport are booming and looks at some challenges ahead such as environmental and housing issues. Taped live in Miami on Dec. 7. (10 minutes)

Branding experts argue against ditching ESG. Instead, they say, the finance industry needs to better explain what ESG is.

A previous measure prohibiting government contracts with companies that "discriminate" against the firearm industry fell short of passing the 2022 legislature.

Following a procession of anti-ESG policy decisions in Kentucky, state lawmakers met last week to discuss additional requirements for companies that have cut ties with the fossil fuel industry.

Atlanta will continue to pursue deals like November's $410 million of social bonds, the city treasurer said, despite Republican efforts to defund ESG investing.

The Texas Attorney General's Office will announce by Jan. 13 whether Citigroup can continue to underwrite municipal bonds in the state under a 2021 law that prohibits contracts with companies that "discriminate" against the firearm industry.

Atlanta's first foray into ESG bonds was a resounding success, according to local officials who said investors welcomed the city's inaugural social bonds.

"I think it's undemocratic of major asset managers to use their power to influence societal outcomes," said Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis.

Chicago's Sales Tax Securitization Corp. will sell $150 million of social bonds next month in the city's first ESG-labeled deal.

The Kentucky Bankers Association is seeking to halt Attorney General Daniel Cameron's investigation into climate commitments made by six large banks. The suit alleges that the AG overstepped his authority by seeking to compel the banks to turn over certain documents and communications.