Climate Policy News You Can Use — September 2025

Dear Colleagues, 

We hope everyone had a great New York Climate Week and is getting back into the swing of a very busy Fall. While things continue to speed up, many of us will also be looking ahead to 2026 and beyond for what comes next in climate policy – especially amid certain upheavals this year. As leaders convened at the UN General Assembly and global climate conversations accelerate, it’s clear that much of the world is pushing ahead on decarbonization regardless of the US’ current enthusiasm – or lack of thereof – for climate action.  

Companies can take this opportunity to affirm or reaffirm their climate policy priorities and publicly disclose how they intend to utilize policy to decarbonize fast.  

To aid in that process, we have put together this guide for businesses on setting policy priorities. The guide explains why it is important to set these priorities, what good policies look like, and a decision tree that can show anyone, no matter where you are in the process, what their next step will be. Please reach out to us if you have any questions on what good policies look like or for 2026 planning.  

Feedback Requested – Permitting Developments in Congress 

As you may have seen, the Problem Solvers Caucus has released their vision for what a permitting package could contain. While we all dig through the details and impact of this legislation, EDF would like to further understand your perspective of this proposal and your permitting priorities more broadly. Permitting has been an ongoing effort, and it is clear some kind of reform is needed. We want to learn more about your company’s interest to hopefully find areas of collaboration. Similarly, there could be opportunities on the horizon for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on the Hill.  

Reach out if you want to compare notes from what we are hearing on the Hill. Your perspective here will help our thinking as we continue to find the best path forward. For more on permitting, check out EDF President Fred Krupp’s thoughts in his latest WSJ Op-Ed urging for a modernized grid and new transmission capacity.  

Updates from the EU 

Omnibus negotiations in the European Parliament (EP) are advancing toward finding a compromise for a final text to be voted on Oct 13^th(unless policymakers cannot reach an agreement by then). CSDDD is where policymakers are having more difficulties to find compromises, although certain aspects of CSRD remain contentious – like the size of companies that will be subject to the regulation. 

Once the EP has its position, negotiations with the European Council and the European Commission can begin – known as trilogues. Omnibus negotiations are being affected by the EU-US trade talks, as US energy secretary Chris Wright has listed CBAM, Methane Regulation, and CSDDD as problematic for US companies selling fossil fuels into Europe. 

With trade being such a heavy focus this year, developments with the US and EU talks continue. The recent US-EU joint statement explains some compromise being discussed around tariffs, de minimis exceptions related to their CBAM, and energy exports. As you continue your problem solving on trade and tariffs, please reach out to discuss how trade can be related to advancing and achieving your decarbonization goals.  

Safeguard Transparent Reporting and U.S. Competitiveness in the GHG Reporting Program  

EPA has recently proposed to eliminate GHG emissions reporting for nearly all industrial sectors, while delaying reporting for oil and gas facilities under subpart W of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP.)

This repeal would undercut the most comprehensive, transparent source of U.S. emissions data — critical for companies to benchmark performance, demonstrate transparency, and align with international monitoring, reporting, and verification standards. Weakening it now would erode investor confidence, increase regulatory uncertainty, and put U.S. companies at a disadvantage as global markets tighten climate disclosure requirements.  

Take Action

• Submit public comments to EPA by November 3 opposing EPA’s proposal and providing your perspective on the GHGRP as a cornerstone of transparency, regulatory certainty, and global competitiveness. Comments can be submitted here. 

Go Deeper

• Read EDF’s press release on the rollback here. 

Keeping up with the US Administration 

• The Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a Request for Information (RFI) related to their Speed to Power initiative. DOE seeks comments from relevant stakeholders on improving transmission, grid infrastructure projects, and speed to power to meet growing electricity demand. Comments are due November 21.  

ICYMI – Things We’re Tracking 

1. EDF Blog: The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program is back on the road 
2. EDF Report: New Report Targets Trillion-Plus Finance Gap that Risks Stalling Shipping’s Energy Transition 
3. EDF at COP30 

Thank you for reading, and if this was forwarded to you, email us to subscribe! 

Best, 
Daniel Neff on behalf of the Climate Policy Leadership Team