The House Concurrent Resolution No. by Representative Owen urges the Board of Regents and each public postsecondary education management board in Louisiana to submit a written report regarding their actions related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. This report is to be delivered to the House Committee on Education, the Senate Committee on Education, and the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget by December 31, 2024. The resolution reflects concerns from citizens about the impact of ESG factors on investment decisions, emphasizing that financial considerations should take precedence over ideological or political agendas.
The required report must include a defense of the use of ESG criteria in relation to fiduciary responsibilities and provide detailed information on ESG reporting, including the validity and financial effectiveness of the items being scored and reported. The resolution aims to ensure transparency and accountability in how state resources are managed in the context of ESG considerations, aligning with the belief that maximizing financial returns should be the primary focus of investment strategies in Louisiana's higher education sector.