Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks: SEC ‘financializing Mother Nature’ with Natural Asset Company rule

“A natural asset company is a new kind of company. And it’s not based on economic activity. It’s based on natural processes. So, I think of it as financializing Mother Nature. In order to be able to do that — because it’s not based on traditional economic activity.” — Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks

In Episode 409 of District of Conservation, Gabriella interviews Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks. Treasurer Oaks was first appointed to the position in July 2021 and then elected in November 2022. He and 21 other state financial officers forced the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to reopen its proposed rule to list Natural Asset Companies – envisioned as a new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment – on the New York Stock Exchange. Treasurer Oaks discusses why he jumped into the fight against ESG, why ESG isn’t market-oriented, how natural asset companies pose a threat to financial markets, property rights, and land access, and much more.

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EP 552: The Potomac is No. 1 Endangered River in America – District of Conservation

In Episode 552 of District of Conservation, Gabriella discusses the new American Rivers report on the 10 most endangered rivers list and the Potomac River earning the top spot. Why? The organization claims both the Potomac Interceptor spill and data center buildout are factors justifying the top post. Gabriella also discusses how data centers use water and why these projects aren't as scary as believed. Plus, a preview of this weekend's IOTR Summit in Florida. Tune in to learn more!SHOW NOTESAmerican Rivers: America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2026 is a Call to Action for Healthy Rivers and a Cleaner Water Supply Maryland rejects ‘most endangered’ label for Potomac River, as D.C. remains unaware about ranking