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[Editor's note: Just hours after we published this story on Monday morning, another utility announced its intention to leave the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over the group's position on climate change. Chicago-based Exelon, one of the largest electric utilities in the country, joined the growing chorus of companies speaking out against the Chamber's staunch opposition to climate legislation. Speaking at a press conference today, Exelon CEO John Rowe said that "Inaction on climate is not an option. If Congress does not act," said Rowe, "the EPA will, and the result will be more arbitrary, more expensive, and more uncertain for investors and the industry than a reasonable, market-based legislative solution." -TH]

Just as the environmental community can be split on climate change issues, businesses interests can't be painted with the same brush either. To wit: In the last week, two major utilities - California's largest utility, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and New Mexico's largest utility, the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) -  have left the U.S. Chamber of Commerce because of its stance on climate change.

Many of the largest utilities in the country support legislation that limits carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and have been anticipating the regulation for years by investing in renewable energy and efficiency measures, as well as technologies for carbon sequestration and more nuclear power.  On the other hand, the Chamber spent $7.4 million on climate change and other issues in the second quarter of this year and has threatened litigation if the EPA doesn't reexamine its findings of climate change's effects on the public.

An excerpt from PG&E CEO Peter Darbee's resignation letter to the Chamber read:

"We find it dismaying that the Chamber neglects the indisputable fact that a decisive majority of experts have said the data on global warming are compelling and point to a threat that cannot be ignored. In our view, an intellectually honest argument over the best policy response to the challenges of climate change is one thing; disingenuous attempts to diminish or distort the reality of these challenges are quite another...I fear it has forfeited an incredible chance to play a constructive leadership role on one of the most important issues our country may ever face."

If more continue to leave, it could threaten the Chamber's credibility as a voice for business - especially when those disagreeing with its stance are some of the largest polluters in the country (electric utilities are responsible for about 40 percent of climate change pollution). The Chamber has said it supports the reduction of climate change pollution on principle, but rejects any approach that it believes would drive up the price of energy and send American jobs overseas.

via the Associated Press, New York Times and Next 100