Apple Exits U.S Chamber of Commerce
by Eric Norwood
October 5, 2009
The world's largest business federation, the U.S Chamber of Commerce, represents more than three million businesses and organizations. As of today, however, they are one computer giant short.
In a letter to Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, Apple's vice president of worldwide government affairs, Catherine Novelli said: "Apple supports regulating greenhouse gas emissions, and it is frustrating to find the Chamber at odds with us in this effort."
Novelli is referring to the Chamber's recent opposition to the Waxman-Markey bill, a resolution "to create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy."
The Washington Post says that the Chamber has become one of the biggest opponents of emissions-reducing legislation. Donohue issued a statement last week about the bill, saying: "It is neither comprehensive nor international" and it "would almost certainly spur retaliation from global trading partners."
Apple subsequently resigned from the Chamber, "effective immediately." Three other companies have left the Chamber because of its position on climate policy; Pacific Gas and Electric, PNM Resources, and Exelon. Nike also relinquished its position on the board, but not its membership.