New mandatory climate disclosures: What California and EU laws mean for U.S. businesses

California enacted two laws during the 2023 legislative session, SB 253 and SB 261, that compel large businesses who do business in the state to disclose their scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions and climate-related financial risks.

These laws are the first of their kind in the U.S. and will have far-reaching impacts beyond the state’s boundaries. The definition of “doing business” in California is likely to include many entities that have operations or sales within the state.

The laws are estimated to effect over 10,000 U.S. companies, with those who are early in their sustainability journey left with the most work to be done.  

The reach of global climate disclosure laws, like the European Union’s CSRD, will also extend into the U.S. compelling certain businesses to disclose their emissions.

With the first reporting deadlines scheduled for early 2026, Trio is hosting a webinar to provide information on the laws and insights into how you can prepare for compliance.

In this engaging discussion, Trio’s U.S. and EU policy and sustainability specialists discuss the implications of California’s new disclosure laws and how businesses can prepare.

Our staff cover the details of the legislation including:

• Snapshot of global disclosure rules and trends
• Overview of CSRD and impact to U.S. companies
• SB 253 and 261: Definitions, requirements, implementation & reporting timelines
• Actions that can be taken to work towards compliance

Speakers:

Matt Donath, Policy Manager, Trio

Marc Steele, Manager, Energy & Sustainability, Trio

Emma Arnold, Sustainability Director, Trio