Far From the Tree: Apple Quits Chamber Over Climate Antics

Joining a growing exodus, Apple Inc. has quit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over the lobby group's anti-clean energy antics, specifically citing its opposition to EPA greenhouse gas limits and its call for a Scopes-monkey trial.

In a letter to embattled Chamber President Thomas Donohue, Apple's VP for Government Affairs Catherine Novelli takes the Chamber to task (via the New York Times):

We strongly object to the chamber's recent comments opposing the E.P.A.'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 constructive role in address the climate crisis. However, because the Chamber's position differs so sharply with Apple's, we have decided to resign our membership effective immediately.

For those of you following along at home, that makes four companies that have quit the Chamber outright, another that's quit the Chamber's board, and two more (plus the San Jose local Chamber) that have sharply criticized Donohue's antics.

A complete accounting of the exodus is available via NRDC:

Quit US Chamber: Exelon, PNM Resources, PG&E, Apple.
Quit US Chamber Board: Nike.
Says Chamber doesn't represent their views on climate: Johnson&Johnson, General Electric, San Jose Chamber of Commerce.

Feeling bad for Donohue? You can always gift him this very appropriate video on iTunes for only $1.99!