Apple Walks Away, U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Fires Back

On Monday, Apple said it was leaving the U.S. Chamber of Commerce because the group opposed Environmental Protection Agency efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

Chamber President Thomas Donohue responded in a letter to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, 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," according to The Wall Street Journal.

Donohue added that a proposal to limit U.S. greenhouse gas emissions "will cause Americans to lose their jobs and shift greenhouse gas emissions overseas, negating potential climate benefits," according to the newspaper.

On Sept. 29, Donohue issued a statement on climate change calling for the U.S. to negotiate an international agreement that sets binding carbon-dioxide reduction commitments for each nation.

"We believe that in order to succeed, any climate change response must include all major CO2 emitting economies, promote new technologies, emphasize efficiency, ensure affordable energy for families and businesses, and help create American jobs and return our economy to prosperity," Donohue wrote. "The Congress should carefully deliberate on and enact legislation that meets these goals."

The chamber spelled out its opposition to the current Waxman-Markey Bill, which proposes that the U.S. act alone in limiting greenhouse gas emissions. "It is neither comprehensive nor international, and it falls short on moving renewable and alternative technologies into the marketplace and enabling our transition to a lower carbon future," Donohue wrote. "It would also impose carbon tariffs on goods imported into the United States, a move that would almost certainly spur retaliation from global trading partners."

Proponents of the bill say building an international agreement will take more time and money and a U.S. initiative is a strong message to send.

In a letter to the chamber, Catherine Novelli, Apple vice president, wrote, "Apple supports regulating greenhouse gas emissions, and it is frustrating to find the Chamber at odds with us in this effort," according to The Washington Post.

Other companies, including Pacific Gas and Electric, PNM Resources and Exelon have also resigned from the chamber recently because of opposition to the greenhouse gas stance, according to the Post.