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U.S. Chamber of Commerce remains defiant in face of Apple departure
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Apple left the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over the group's
stance on climate change but some say the company didn't
put forth the effort to work with the group.
Facing a handful of companies leaving its 300,000 member organization over the group’s stance on climate change, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce remained defiant. Prior to Apple’s resignation on Monday, three utility companies had left the group and Nike stepped down from its position on the board. The Chamber however took Apple to task for not understand the group’s position.
In a letter to the Chamber, Apple Vice President Catherine Novelli said the company is “committed to protecting the environment and the communities in which we operate around the world.” She said the company was taking measures on its own to make its products and the company itself more ‘green.’
Novelli told the Chamber regulation of greenhouse gasses should be mandatory as not all companies will voluntarily comply. She said, “We would prefer that the Chamber take a more progressive stance on this critical issue and a play a constructive role in addressing the climate crisis.”
There is little doubt that Apple’s actions were a great public relations move for the company as the progressive blogosphere lit up with enthusiasm. However, the Chamber and others are wondering why Apple itself did not ‘play a constructive role’ in helping the group formulate its stance on anthropogenic global warming.
It is unfortunate that your company didn’t take the time to understand the Chamber’s position on climate and forfeited the opportunity to advance a 21st century approach to climate change.
~ U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue
In a letter to the company Chamber President Thomas Donohue reflected that thought saying, “It is unfortunate that your company didn’t take the time to understand the Chamber’s position on climate and forfeited the opportunity to advance a 21st century approach to climate change.” He explained that the Chamber’s position was not one of being against environmental protections but of being against the wrong ones that include measures such as the cap and trade legislation now being considered in the U.S. Senate.
Donohue reminded the company that the Chamber does in fact support “strong federal legislation and a binding international agreement to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change.”
In explaining the group’s opposition to current proposed legislation, he said, "While we do support legislation to address climate change, we oppose legislation such as the Waxman-Markey bill that numerous studies show will cause Americans to lose their jobs and shift greenhouse gas emissions overseas, negating potential climate benefits. An effective climate change response must include all major CO2 emitting economies, promote new technologies, emphasize efficiency, ensure affordable energy for families and businesses, and defend American jobs while returning our economy to prosperity.”
In a press conference today Donohue said the group remained defiant pointing out that the companies that have left were but a fraction of the group’s membership. “The great preponderance of our members believe in our position and support it,” he said.
Donohue stated that the companies that have resigned have not changed the Chamber’s position. "If people want to attack us, bring 'em on," Donohue said. "The current attacks on us will not weaken us. In fact, additional supporters are rallying to our cause."
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