Our Demands.
Directed at members of the
U.S Chamber of Commerce from the Change The Chamber campaign.
Change the Chamber or Quit.
Engage with both the U.S Chamber’s leadership and membership in order to make the Chamber publicly and actively support science-based climate legislation. If they do not comply, withdraw from the Chamber.
Science-based climate policy refers to the recommendations of the 2018 IPCC Report: policies that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions consistent with what scientists tell us is required in order to hold warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030; thereby avoiding the worst effects of climate change. This means cutting GHG emissions in half by 2030, and reaching a net-zero economy by 2050.
A majority of the Chamber’s large, dues-paying member corporations publicly support climate action, so it is reasonable to expect the US Chamber to support science-based climate policy as soon as possible.
There are several comprehensive climate bills previously introduced in Congress that have been modeled to generate emissions reductions consistent with scientific recommendations. They are:
S. 940 Healthy Family and Climate Security Act (cap and dividend)
S. ___ American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act of 2021 (carbon fee & dividend, other beneficiaries and border adjustment)
S. 2284 Climate Action Rebate Act (carbon fee)
S. 4484 America’s Clean Future Fund Act (carbon fee plus other features)
H.R. 2307 Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2021 (carbon fee & dividend with border adjustment)
If the Chamber is unable to endorse science-based climate policy, then we urge you to publicly quit the organization.
Lobby for Climate.
In all policy engagements, your company should actively support science-based climate legislation.
Put out a public letter that is sent to all members of Congress, about how science-based climate policy is a priority for your company, and that your company expects the president and Congress to support pro-climate legislation. Additionally, the letter should state that the U.S. Chamber and other relevant trade associations do not represent your company’s views on climate.
Schedule a meeting with senators from states where you have operations and large numbers of employees to explain your company’s support for science-based climate policy. Encourage the senators to support one or more of the above bills.
Publicly support science-based policies. This means policies that include:
A minimum carbon price of $50 per ton. According to experts, any price lower than this is not a solution and is merely greenwashing.
A clean electricity standard based on science-based targets for greenhouse gas reductions.
A ZEV mandate and/or LEV standards for vehicles. (Zero Emissions Vehicle/Low Emissions Vehicle)
A clean product standard for the industrial sector.
Vocally and publicly support President Biden’s climate smart recovery plans for the economy, jobs, energy and infrastructure.
Demonstrate robust support for the US’s return to the Paris Agreement and the strengthening of our NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions).
Support Biden as he accomplishes each component of his climate and clean energy plans (e.g. reduction of methane leaks, transportation efficiency standards, public lands protection, Justice40). The public needs to see the business sector support the alignment of our economy for this transition. Supporting Biden’s climate-smart recovery plans is an economically sound and urgent bipartisan act:
Fox News exit polls from the 2020 presidential election reveal that 70% of voters among both political parties are concerned about the devastating impacts of the climate crisis;
A recent Pew poll shows two-thirds of Americans think the government should do more on climate.
Stop funding climate obstructors.
Cease all monetary support for politicians who deny the necessity of science-based climate legislation and encourage the U.S. Chamber to do the same. Instead, interact with federal policymakers to increase their support for science-based climate legislation that will produce healthier ecosystems and stronger economies.