The world's largest asset manager, BlackRock, backed the measure at Chevron, a powerful signal given its status among most public companies' top shareholders. BlackRock, which manages $8.7 trillion in assets, said ahead of 2021 corporate meetings that it will begin asking companies to confirm that their political activities are in line with public statements on policy issues and explain any inconsistencies with trade association positions. The firm also vowed to approve more shareholder proposals, particularly on environmental issues.