Latest News

Texas school fund withdraws $8.5 billion in BlackRock ESG policies

The Texas school fund told BlackRock that it was terminating a contract with the asset manager to manage $8.5 billion in state funds due to BlackRock's energy investment policies.

Texas is the most conservative state in the U.S. in terms of preventing public funds from doing any business with BlackRock. BlackRock has been at forefront among Wall Street companies in adopting environmental, social, and governance principles.

Texas Permanent School Fund chair Aaron Kinsey stated in a post on X, that the fund's relationship to BlackRock violated state laws against investing with companies accused by energy companies of boycotting them.

BlackRock's dominance and persistence in the ESG movement damages our state's economy, and companies that generate revenue for our PSF. The PSF will stand up and fight back against Wall Street's attacks on our financial future, the statement stated.

BlackRock's spokesperson stated, "BlackRock helps millions of Texans save and invest for their retirement." We have invested over $300 billion on behalf of our customers in Texas-based businesses, infrastructure, and municipalities. This includes $125 billion in the energy industry.

The spokesperson cited a joint venture worth $550 million with oil and gas company Occidental Petroleum, and an event held last month at which Chief Executive Larry Fink pledged to invest together in Texas' energy infrastructure. (Reporting and editing by Matthew Lewis in New York)

(source: Reuters)