Apple Resigns from U.S. Chamber of Commerce over Climate Change Stance

[MacRumors]

Multiple sources, including the Washington Post, are reporting that Apple has given up its membership in the the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over the Chamber's stance on climate change legislation.

In a letter to Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Apple's Vice President of Worldwide Government Affairs, Catherine A. Novelli, stated Apple's position and submitted Apple's resignation.

Apple is committeed to protecting the environment and the communities in which we operate around the world. We strongly object to the Chamber's recent comments opposing the EPA'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. We would prefer that the Chamber take a more progressive stance on this critical issue and play a construtive role in addressing the climate crisis. However, because the Chamber's position differs so sharply with Apple's, we have decided to resign our membership effective immediately.

The Chamber's stance on regulation was stated in its Five Positions on Energy and the Environment and a press release.

Apple is not the first organization to resign from the Chamber over this issue. California's largest utility, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., and other companies have similarly resigned. This is not the first time Apple has taken a position on a controversial social issue.

Apple recently launched an environmental publicity initiative.

Article Link: Apple Resigns from U.S. Chamber of Commerce over Climate Change Stance

 

[Doctor Q]

There are two discussion threads based on this news.

This thread is for general comments about the news story.

For discussion of the controversial issue of climate change, please use this political discussion thread (you must be eligible to post in that forum). Posts in this thread that belong in the other thread will be removed by the moderators.

Thank you.

 

[Stridder44]

Good for them!

And thank you for the link Doctor Q. Otherwise this could get out of hand very quickly.

 

[UngratefulNinja]

Good for them! I'm glad they took a stand.

 

[JoeG4]

After years of Apple being beat down by non-profits for not being environmentally friendly, and Apple not giving much of a damn, they've not only come 'round, but are becoming activists? Eh?

I smell marketing campaign. Apple needs some way to sell people on atom-powered iMacs, probably.

"But this new iMac is a piece of junk!"

"No! All of our competitors are using evil Core i7s! We're being eco friendly!"

 

[Dont Hurt Me]

Good for Apple, chamber of commerce is near worthless when it comes to our environment and Apple knows it.

 

[JAQ]

Good for Apple, chamber of commerce is near worthless when it comes to our environment and Apple knows it.

The Chamber of Commerce is worse then worthless; it's harmful. The Chamber and all its state and local conclaves are just a bunch of rich people who oppose anything that might prevent them from becoming richer people. That doesn't mean that they're wrong on every issue... only the ones where there are two opposing sides, one of which is more moral than the other.

 

[VanMac]

Glad to see Apple making a stand for a better environment. It would be nice if they could follow this up with inventing a new renewable energy source 🙂

 

[primalman]

The Chamber of Commerce is worse then worthless; it's harmful. The Chamber and all its state and local conclaves are just a bunch of rich people who oppose anything that might prevent them from becoming richer people. That doesn't mean that they're wrong on every issue... only the ones where there are two opposing sides, one of which is more moral than the other.

Exactly my experience as well. Good ridance.

 

[GeekLawyer]

Good for Apple - many Apple customers will applaud this move as a responsible one.

 

[11800506]

I think this is good for Apple since it shows what they are firm in their beliefs. Good for them!

 

[hagjohn]

Good. I have no idea about the climate change stuff but I do know that I like to live in a clean environment. I'd like to be able to breath clean air, eat healthy non-toxic food and drink clean water.

 

[Runt888]

I smell marketing campaign. Apple needs some way to sell people on atom-powered iMacs, probably.

My first thought when I read this was "nuclear powered computers...that can't be healthy" 😀

 

[jointsmoking]

Good for Apple. It's good to see a Corporation stand up for our planet.

 

[depaulsunny]

Way to go Apple!!

I am 100% with you on this. Way to show them.. Even more reasons why I know I make the right choice every time I buy an Apple product.

 

[redrev]

I salute Apple for the decision. A great stand and the right thing to do.

 

[JP M.]

Good form, Apple. Good form.

 

[ChrisA]

After years of Apple being beat down by non-profits for not being environmentally friendly, and Apple not giving much of a damn, they've not only come 'round, but are becoming activists? Eh?

Could it be that after his health issues and recent transplant Steve has found that there are more important things than making his 9th billion dollars. This could be real.

Being responsible is also good marketing. Not just responsible with the environment but in all ways. People see you did something right in one area that they can see and then (wrongly or rightly) think you must being doing the same in places they don't see. People will judge you based on reputation.

 

[FreeState]

Good for Apple. I support them 100% in this effort - the US Camber of Commerce should be neutral or take no position IMO.

 

[ajones46]

Why was Apple involved in the Chamber to begin with? Like, what benefit did it provide and now that they've resigned, what harm could come from it? I don't know very much about this, could someone fill me in?

 

[MacFly123]

Cap n Trade here we come! 🙄

 

[Jonny75]

Good for Apple and Good for MacRumours for removing the idiot reply someone left with a non-ironic avatar before I could complain!

 

[Krizoitz]

After years of Apple being beat down by non-profits for not being environmentally friendly, and Apple not giving much of a damn, they've not only come 'round, but are becoming activists? Eh?

I smell marketing campaign. Apple needs some way to sell people on atom-powered iMacs, probably.

"But this new iMac is a piece of junk!"

"No! All of our competitors are using evil Core i7s! We're being eco friendly!"

I'm sorry but thats entirely innacurate. Apple HAS been environmentally friendly. What they haven't done is tell Greenpeace all about it like they wanted Apple to. Instead of agreeing to Greenpeace's vague promises and getting gold stars for it like some companies, Apple was actually DOING things that were environmentally friendly and have continued to do so.

I'll take results and actions over promises and the stamp of an overzealous often fanatical organization anyday.

Kudo's to Apple for being a responsible corporation, two thumbs up.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

First time I'm truly glad to have given Apple my money in a long time! At least someone realized the world needs some protection, way to go

 

[tenguy]

Odd man out

Seeing the posts prior to this, I guess the other Apple fanboys (like me) are saluting this move. Frankly, as both an Apple owner (3 computers & an iPhone & an iPod) as well as a shareholder (a ton), I feel this is terrible. Corporate BOD's are responsible to the Shareholders & not the Execs. Considering Algore is a Director though this action doesn't surprise me. Just hope this turns out positive.