| September 22, 2009 |  |
PG&E Leaves Chamber of Commerce
WASHINGTON (September 22, 2009) — Pacific Gas and Electric announced today it is leaving the U.S. Chamber of Commerce because of the organization's opposition to climate change legislation. In a letter to the Chamber, PG&E Chairman and CEO Peter Darbee wrote, "We find it dismaying that the Chamber neglects the indisputable fact that a decisive majority of experts have said the data on global warming are compelling and point to a threat that cannot be ignored. In our opinion, an intellectually honest argument over the best policy response to the challenges of climate change is one thing; disingenuous attempts to diminish or distort the reality of these challenges are quite another."
The Chamber has a history of misrepresenting climate science as it has fought energy and climate legislation. Recently, its members have started to complain.
"The Chamber's extreme views about climate science are leaving it increasingly isolated and alienating its membership," said Kevin Knobloch, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists. "It's also a head scratcher, because the science is so clear and the needed response is so attractive from a business perspective. A responsible strategy to address climate change will create investment, growth and market opportunities for so many of the companies that once relied on the Chamber to illuminate the future."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
