∞ Chamber of Commerce chastises Apple for its departure

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce wasted no time firing back at Apple for leaving the organization, according to a story on the Dow Jones. “It is unfortunate that your company didn’t take the time to understand the Chamber’s position on climate and forfeited the opportunity to advance a 21st century approach to climate change,” U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Tom Donohue wrote in a letter addressed to Apple CEO, Steve Jobs.

Apple resigned its membership to the Chamber of Commerce on Monday due to differences on how environmental issues should be handled.

Apple vice president Catherine Novelli explained the company’s position in a letter to Donohue on Monday. “Apple supports regulating greenhouse gas emissions, and it is frustrating to find the Chamber at odds with us in this effort,” said Novelli. “[As a result] we have decided to resign our membership effective immediately.”

While Apple has been quick to support regulation of greenhouse gases, the Chamber of Commerce has been a critic of legislation aimed at reducing emissions.

Donohue continued saying that “while we do support legislation to address climate change, we oppose legislation such as the Waxman-Markey bill that numerous studies show will cause Americans to lose their jobs and shift greenhouse gas emissions overseas, negating potential climate benefits,” Donohue wrote.