14 DAY TRIAL // Following the positive response from Greenpeace over publishing its carbon emissions, Apple is now being praised by the U.S. Secretary of Energy for its decision to resign its membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over its stance on climate change.
According to AppleInsider citing Reuters, Energy Secretary Steven Chu commented on the numerous companies that had left the Chamber for not sharing its stance on climate change, speaking to reporters at a solar-energy event in Washington D.C. "I think it's wonderful," Chu said, adding that the efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions were "part of our economic future [..] I would encourage the Chamber of Commerce to realize the economic opportunity that the United States can lead in a new industrial revolution."
After Apple’s announcement of resigning from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber fired back with a letter, stating the Mac maker "didn't take the time to understand" its position. Signed by Chamber President Thomas Donohue, the letter was directly addressed to Apple Co-founder Steve Jobs on Tuesday, who learned that the Mac maker was being criticized over its departure from the Chamber, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Chamber President Thomas Donohue continued to accuse the company, adding that it had forfeited the chance to "advance a 21st century approach to climate change."
Greenpeace chimed in on Thursday declaring "Bravo Apple!" on its Web site. The international nongovernmental organization encourages other big-name technology companies to follow Apple’s example. "Apple has stormed out of the biggest lobby group in the United States," Greenpeace said. "At issue is the US Chamber of Commerce's use of funds to oppose climate change legislation. Apple has done the right thing, and IBM and Microsoft should think different too," Greenpeace added.