Pretending to be officials of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, activists announce the organization’s endorsement of climate-change legislation, most of which the chamber has opposed.
By Alexander C. Hart
October 19, 2009 | 6:22 p.m.
Reporting from Washington – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce fell victim to identity theft Monday when activist pranksters sent out a fake press release and staged a phony news conference to announce the organization’s endorsement of climate-change legislation.
“There is only one sound way to do business,” said prepared remarks included with the ersatz press release. “That’s to support a strong climate-change bill quickly so . . . President Obama can lead the entire business world in ensuring our long-term prosperity.” In reality, the chamber has opposed most climate-change legislation, expressing concerns it was not sufficiently comprehensive and international and that it imposed too high a regulatory burden.
Pretty bold move by activist groups, including one called The Yes Men.
Even here in the U.S. it makes sense to create a national standard for greenhouse gas emissions. One that rewards states for leadership and penalizes those who do not act to reduce emissions. We fail if the federal government creates a standard that puts any company, region, state or industry at a competitive disadvantage.
We also fail if we do not act.
I do agree the U.S. Chamber is mired in 1980s rhetoric. It really is not important what is causing climate change, it is time to do something to slow, stop and reverse the damage. There is also real value in our nation showing leadership in the battle to reduce greenhouse gas. While it would be best for the global community to act of reduce greenhouse gas, waiting for comprehensive, worldwide actions is not going to do anything to help.
You can watch Rachel Maddow’s (decidedly slanted) report here with footage from the fake press conference and the real U.S. Chamber spokesperson disrupting the event.
Paul
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