"When the rating agencies developed and rolled out their ESG scores, they said their ESG scores would not impact an issuer's credit rating. We are holding them to their word," said Ben Watkins, director of the state Division of Bond Finance.
So far 12 states have enacted ESG statutes with 67 pending statues in 28 states, according to the Morgan Lewis law firm. Florida's anti-ESG bill goes farthest.
"We're going to see job growth, population growth, gross domestic product growth and we're very excited," says Mark Wilson, president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.