Toyota Membership in US Chamber of Commerce Under Attack
The US Chamber of Commerce has been lobbying against current attempts at reducing carbon output and other clean energy programs. The group disputes claims that greenhouse gasses are the cause of global warming and further claims that attempts to restrict businesses will be detrimental to the US economy.
In protest of this stance, several major companies have ended their membership with the Chamber, including Apple, Exelon and Levi Strauss & Co. Nike has removed itself from the Chamber Board of Directors and several companies have issued statements opposing the Chamber’s actions while retaining their memberships. These companies include Johnson & Johnson, General Electric, the San Jose Chamber of Commerce, Alcoa, Duke, Entergy and Microsoft. GE issued the following statement, “The Chamber does not speak for us on climate legislation, but we are still a member.”
Toyota remains a member and some feel that in light of its “green” reputation, it hasn’t done enough to distance itself from the Chamber. Toyota did issue the following statement in response to criticisms over its continued affiliation.
“Toyota is a member of a wide array of groups and organizations. Our association with these groups does not signify that we agree with all of their policies. It means we are there to have a dialogue and engage in making good policy.”
Toyota further stated, “Toyota has long been mindful of and accepts the broad scientific consensus that climate change is occurring and will continue unless there are significant and coordinated global efforts to slow the growth of manmade greenhouse gas emissions. (Toyota) has not waited for government regulation to address the challenges of greenhouse gas emissions.”
Several environmental groups have been highly critical of what they perceive to be Toyota’s two-faced approach to the environment. While Toyota maintains an excellent track record and advertises its commitment to environmental causes, it continues to support the Chamber and its lobbying efforts financially as a member. MoveOn.org has been vocal in insisting that Toyota rescind its membership, launching a nationwide campaign to pressure Toyota into resigning.
Recently, the US Chamber of Commerce quietly dropped Toyota from its list of Board Members. According to a Toyota spokesperson, Toyota’s Board membership concluded when the former president of Toyota Motor North America returned to Japan for a new assignment.
