Chamber says bill could cause US job losses

The US Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday took a jab at Apple over the company's recent protest resignation from the business group. In a letter to the company's chief executive, the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said that Apple's resignation over the Chamber's lack of support for environmental legislation was premature and misguided.

"It is unfortunate that your company [Apple] 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 Chief Executive Tom Donohue wrote in a letter to the Apple chief executive obtained by The Wall Street Journal. Donohue said that the Chamber is committed to the environment but also to preserving the competitiveness of American business.

The proposed Waxman-Markey bill (also known as the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009) aims to reduce US companies' effects on climate change, but the Chamber of Commerce claims it would have detrimental consequences for US businesses, including job losses. The group also claims that the effect of the legislation would be to simply shift the greenhouse gas emissions problem to other parts of the world.

"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," Donohue wrote. "It's a shame that Apple will not be part of our efforts."

The letter comes on the heels of several high profile defections from the the largest trade association in the US. According to the report, companies such as Nike, PG&E, and Exelon Corp.have parted ways with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over its opposition to climate legislation in the U.S. Congress. Apple resignation came earlier this week through a letter claiming

Donahue said that the business group was focused on innovation and technology to combat climate change.

Apple has taken a very open and progressive stance with its environmental efforts by disclosing life cycle analysis data for its range of products. The company provides reports with information regarding greenhouse gas emissions, exclusion of hazardous materials, energy efficiency, material efficiency and packaging. The recent focus on environmental issues has even earned praise from the activist group Greenpeace.

by MacNN Staff