U.S. Chamber Takes More Heat for Climate Change Dissent
permalink
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s backward stance on climate change is making headlines again. In the past few months, the Chamber has experienced mutinies from a number of prominent members, including Apple, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Exelon and Nike.
Last week, two of the lobbying group’s most powerful members, General Electric and Cisco Systems, told reporters that they disagree with the Chamber’s position. ”The Chamber does not represent our views on the urgent need for climate legislation,” said Peter O’Toole, a GE spokesman. “We need climate legislation and a price for carbon in the U.S. now.”
Though neither company has made plans to leave the Chamber, the disconnect between the Chamber and two of its largest members is not a positive development for the group (which represents an estimated 3 million businesses).
Since the controversy began, the Chamber has attempted to fight back by launching a microsite whose tagline in a Google advertisement is ”Join Our Fight Against The Extreme Left-Wing Agenda.” The site, which includes Facebook and Twitter connections, is nothing more than a place to gather contact information and contributions.
Submitted by Herndon Graddick