GOP Memo Hypocritically Accuses Democrats Of Protecting Big Business
On May 18, 2009, Politico uncovered a confidential Republican strategy memo for fighting the Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill. The memo states that Republicans should sell their opposition by arguing that "Democrats are protecting big business." But, in reality, it is the Republicans who are doing just that.
Who's Really Protecting Big Business?
GOP Memo: "Republicans need an effective message to defeat this legislation...while railing against 'big polluters' for obstructing passage of cap-and-trade legislation, these selfsame 'polluters' -- the companies of the United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), for example -- are writing significant portions of the Waxman-Markey bill... [Republicans] stand with America's small-to-medium sized manufacturers...The bottom line is this: Democrats are protecting big business." [Republican Strategy Memo via Politico, 5/14/09]
However, there is nothing "small-to-medium" about the interests Republicans are protecting...
REALITY: The Business Lobby Opposes Cap-and-Trade
"The Business Lobby Has Come Out Strongly Against" Waxman-Markey. As reported by Politico: "The business lobby has come out strongly against a draft bill in the House that would create a cap-and-trade system to cut greenhouse gases and promote the development of renewable energy technology." [Politico, 5/5/09]
The National Association Of Manufacturers (NAM) Lobbies Against Climate Change Legislation. According to the New York Times, "the National Association of Manufacturers...continue to lobby against any law or treaty that would sharply curb emissions." [New York Times, 4/23/09]
- NAM's Members Include Big Businesses And Energy Associations. As reported by The Hill: "NAM disclosed the identities of 65 of its members on its website. Major corporations, such as AT&T and ExxonMobil, as well as other trade associations, like the American Petroleum Institute and the Edison Electric Institute, were included on the list." [The Hill, 5/1/08; emphasis added]
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Opposes Waxman-Markey. As reported by the Wall Street Journal: "The U.S Chamber of Commerce said Thursday that it isn't a big fan of the Waxman-Markey energy and climate bill, whatever shape it eventually takes... So what does the Chamber of Commerce really want? More of the same, it seems." [Wall Street Journal, 5/14/09]
