On September 18, 2015, 12 U.S. senators, 11 of whom are Democrats and one of whom is an independent, sent a letter to the CEOs of all 108 member companies of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's ("COC") Board of Directors, asking them to clarify their stances with respect to the COC's position on the recently finalized Clean Power Plan.

The letter, citing to a New York Times article as its source, argues that the COC was coordinating an effort to "undermine" the Clean Power Plan—an effort that The New York Times said had "expanded into a vast network of lawyers and lobbyists."

The letter, citing to a New York Times article as its source, argues that the COC was coordinating an effort to "undermine" the Clean Power Plan—an effort that The New York Times said had "expanded into a vast network of lawyers and lobbyists." In the letter, the Democratic senators attacked COC for being "long opposed" to action to prevent climate change and for supporting political leaders "who are among the most extreme climate change deniers." Also, the letter questioned how COC has claimed it supports reducing CO2 emissions and encouraging new technologies and increased use of natural gas and renewable fuels, while not supporting the Clean Power Plan. Although couched as a letter to seek input from the member companies, the letter largely focuses on the senators' support for the Clean Power Plan.

COC took immediate and significant exception to the conclusions drawn by the senators in the letter to the CEOs. On September 28, 2015, COC posted a press release that describes the errors in the letter and reiterates its position, as follows:

We believe that in order to succeed, any climate change response must include all major CO2 emitting economies, promote new technologies, emphasize efficiency, ensure affordable energy for families and businesses, and help create American jobs and return our economy to prosperity. The Congress should carefully deliberate on and enact legislation that meets these goals.

COC goes on to further describe its position, as follows:

Some in the environmental movement claim that, because of our opposition to a specific bill or approach, we must be opposed to all efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, or that we deny the existence of any problem. They are dead wrong. The Chamber has in its public documents, Hill letters and testimony, as well as dozens of concrete policy recommendations, supported efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere while keeping our economy healthy.

We have vigorously supported the production and use of renewable and alternative energy. We have repeatedly supported tax incentives and credits, appropriations, and stimulus funding to promote the accelerated development of new technologies. We are leading the fight to clear the regulatory, legal and Not-In-My-Backyard roadblocks that are currently delaying promising wind, solar, nuclear, and other renewable or emissions-free energy projects across the nation.

While the letter requested that member companies provide certain information with respect to the relationship with COC, it is unclear whether any member companies have elected to voluntarily respond, beyond the COC's affirmative response on September 28.

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