WASHINGTON, D.C.— In response to President Obama’s announcement of an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping on greenhouse gas emissions, Karen Harbert, president of the U.S. Chamber's Institute for 21st Century Energy, released the following statement:
"After secret negotiations and without consultation with Congress or the American people, President Obama has agreed to a deal that would handcuff U.S. industry while allowing China an unlimited increase in emissions over the next fifteen years.
"If actually implemented, this agreement would give an unfair advantage to Chinese manufacturers while forcing dramatic changes to America’s energy supply that will raise prices, threaten reliability, and increase the burden on hard working American families.
"Instead, the U.S. should continue to lead the way by developing our abundant energy resources that balances the nation’s need for secure, affordable energy and a clean environment while creating American jobs, new industries, and revenue to address our staggering deficit."
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.