The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), now under Republican control, has taken steps to pause litigation over a Biden-era climate disclosure rule. Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda directed the agency's legal team to request the 8th Circuit Court to halt proceedings on the rule, which mandates public companies to disclose greenhouse gas emissions and assess their climate-related risks. Uyeda stated that the pause would allow the SEC to deliberate on its next steps. Critics of the rule argue that it is burdensome and unnecessary, as many companies already provide such disclosures voluntarily. The SEC's move signals a potential rollback or revision of the rule, which has faced legal challenges from business groups and state attorneys general. Additionally, the SEC issued new guidelines making it easier for corporations to block shareholder proposals on social and environmental issues, further reflecting a shift in policy priorities. The decision also comes amid discussions about the end of Chevron deference, which could impact regulatory authority across federal agencies.