WSJ's Morning Risk Report Features Steve Quinlivan on New SEC Commissioners, Climate Disclosure Rule

06.22.2022

In response to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announcing the addition of two new commissioners last week, Stinson LLP Partner Steve Quinlivan provides comments to The Wall Street Journal on how this could shape recent SEC proposals as they are crafted into final rules.

Democrats now hold a 3-2 majority on the commission, all but ensuring SEC Chair Gary Gensler has the necessary votes to advance a range of proposals, including the requirement of public companies to report information on their greenhouse-gas emissions and climate risks, a rule that, if implemented, could force companies to adopt new, costly compliance procedures.

Quinlivan said it remains to be seen how the addition of the two commissioners will add to the discussion over the climate disclosure rule and other proposals made by Gensler and the SEC. "It's relatively difficult to determine how sausage is made at the SEC," Quinlivan said. "It's hard to tell…how much input the respective commissioners have on [a] rule before it comes to a meeting."

Representing clients across the United States, Quinlivan has a strong reputation in mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation and offerings, ESOPs, REITs, international transactions and financing matters. He assists clients on SEC reporting matters, advises boards of directors in corporate governance and liability issues and works with litigation teams defending officers and directors. Quinlivan uses his deep background in law, finance, accounting and project management to complete his clients' most important and challenging assignments.

Read the full report.