The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) vigorously defended its authority to mandate climate-related disclosures, arguing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit that such regulations lie firmly within its remit to protect investors. The SEC emphasized that the disclosure requirements are intended to help investors better evaluate potential risks and values of securities by providing comprehensive information on a company’s business, operations, and financial performance. This case underscores the agency’s stance that the focus remains on investor protection rather than on addressing environmental policies or climate change per se. As stated in the brief to the court, “This case is not about climate change or environmental policy; it is about protecting investors,” reinforcing the SEC’s core mission.