Apple leaves US Chamber of Commerce over climate clash

WASHINGTON (AFP) -

Computing giant Apple defected from the US Chamber of Commerce, as a growing rift emerges over the group's opposition to tough climate change rules, according to a letter.

The firm "supports regulating greenhouse gas emissions, and it is frustrating to find the chamber at odds with us in this effort," saidApple vice president Catherine Novelli, on Tuesday.

Apple is the fourth major US corporation to walk out of the group over its stance on climate change. Pacific Gas and Electricity,PNM Resources and Exelon have taken similar moves.

Sporting goods titan Nike dropped its responsibilities on the chamber's board but remains a member.

"We would prefer the chamber take a more progressive stance on this critical issue and play a constructive role in addressing theclimate crisis," said the Apple letter dated October 5, published in US media.

"However, because the Chamber's position differs so sharply with Apple's, we have decided to resign our membership effective immediately."

Chamber president Thomas Donohue said Apple did not understand the chamber's goals.

"I am sorry to learn of Apple's resignation," Donohue wrote in a letter to Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

"The US Chamber of Commerce continues to support strong federal legislation and a binding international agreement to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change."

Donohue said the chamber opposed a draft climate change bill currently before the US Senate that sets a target of reducinggreenhouse gases from 2005 levels by 20 percent by 2020.

The House of Representatives approved its version in June, setting a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, and 83 percent by 2050.

The bill "will cause Americans to lose their jobs and shift greenhouse emissions overseas, negating potential climate benefits," Donohue said, citing "numerous" studies.

"An effective climate change response must include all major CO2 emitting economies, promote new technologies, emphasize efficiency, ensure affordable energy for families and businesses, and defend American jobs while returning our economy to prosperity," argued the chamber chief.

The chamber claims to be the world's largest business federation with three million members.

"While we'll continue to represent the broad majority of our membership on this goal, we recognize that there are some companies who stand to gain more than others with the current options on the table," said chamber spokesman Eric Wohlschlegel.