Law Student Paper Series — Environmental Responsibility & Animal Protection — Overlooked by Pension Plan Regulation
Presented 4/8/21
Animal and environmental protection have tremendous long-term repercussions on economic stability, human health, and national security. Yet problematic regulations regarding fiduciary duty make it difficult to factor these considerations in tax-privileged pension planning under ERISA. This has a chilling effect on necessary investments to shift towards a more sustainable and compassionate economy and has concerning consequences for future retirees, which the law is intended to benefit and protect. Join Benjamin Cregger, Lewis & Clark Law School, as they provide a closer look at recent regulatory changes, which are potentially problematic for human and nonhuman animals. A brief Q&A to follow.
This webinar has been pre-recorded. Watch it now!
Resources
- Environmental Responsibility & Animal Protection – Overlooked by Pension Plan Regulation by Benjamin Cregger (PDF)
- NEDC Comments on Proposed Rule on Financial Factors in Selecting Plan Investments – July 2020 (PDF)
- EBSA – Financial Factors in Selecting Plan Investments – November 2020 (PDF)
- Executive Order 13990 – Protecting Public Healthy and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis – January 2020 (PDF)
- Fact Sheet: List of Agency Actions for Review
- EBSA – U.S. Department of Labor Statement Regarding Enforcement of Its Final Rules on ESG Investments and Proxy Voting by Employee Benefit Plans – March 2021 (PDF)
- Fiduciary Duty in the 21st Century, Final Report (PDF)
- Petition to the SEC for Rulemaking on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Disclosures – October 2018 (PDF)
- Al Gore – Fiduciary Duty in the 21st Century and the Sustainability Revolution
How We Work
Related
-
Animal Groups Refile Complaint Over Alleged Texas Slaughterhouse Cruelty
Animal law groups request accountability after a bull was shot four times with a rifleMay 11, 2026 News -
Imperiled White Lions Rescued from Texas Roadside Zoo to Receive Medical Care
The Animal Legal Defense Fund urged federal authorities to investigate the plight of two white lions who were apparently enduring severe physical and neurological distressMay 7, 2026 News -
Footage Reveals Imperiled White Lions Languishing at Texas Roadside Zoo
ALDF seeks federal investigation and confiscation of two white lions enduring severe physical and neurological distressMay 4, 2026 News
Sign Up!
Join the Animal Legal Defense Fund's email list to stay up to date on lawsuits, legislation, and regulations affecting animals.