Apple has become the latest company, and probably the highest profile, to leave the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over that organization's stance against limiting greenhouse gases to slow the effects of global climate change. Three other companies, Pacific Gas and Electric, PNM Resources and Exelon, also recently pulled out of the Chamber over its climate policy. Additionally, Nike resigned its position on the Chamber’s board, though it has maintained its membership.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce claims that a cap-and-trade program to limit global warming pollution would “strangle the economy” and has even called for a “Scopes monkey trial” on the science of global warming. This is a favored argument of those harping against climate change. However, many have stated that working on green technologies can only help the economy, adding that even if it did not, what good is an economy without a planet?
Apple has been criticized over the lack of "greenness" in its products before by such organizations as Greenpeace. The company has made strides, or at least claimed to be doing so, by reducing the impact of its products, particularly its newer Macbooks.
Catherine A. Novelli, the vice president of worldwide government affairs at Apple, in a letter to the chamber on Monday, wrote the following in a letter to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday:
"We strongly object to the chamber’s recent comments opposing the E.P.A.’s effort to limit greenhouse gases. Apple supports regulating greenhouse gas emissions, and it is frustrating to find the Chamber at odds with us in this effort."
The resignation, sent Monday, was effective immediately.
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
