Chamber of Commerce’s Climate Stance Subject of Elaborate Hoax

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce fell victim to serial hoaxers The Yes Men on Monday, when pranksters sent out a press release on the Chamber’s letterhead announcing that the business group of 3 million members had changed its views on climate change legislation and would be holding a press conference to talk about its new position. The hoax was only exposed midway through the fake press conference after it was interrupted by a real Chamber official.

The Yes Men has a reputation for putting on elaborate spoofs to bring attention to the group’s environmental and human rights views. On Monday, at the fake press conference (YouTube.com video), a spokesperson told reporters that the Chamber had dropped its opposition to the Senate’s Kerry-Boxer climate bill, and that though it would prefer to see a carbon tax implemented, it would support the existing legislation passed in time for the December global climate change summit in Copenhagen.

Chamber of Commerce official Eric Wohlschlegel interrupted the conference 20 minutes after it was under way, saying it was a “fraud” and “illegal.”

The prank fooled several news outlets, including Reuters, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and CNBC, before corrections were issued.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been under scrutiny lately after several high-profile members—including utilities Exelon Corp., PG&E, and New Mexico–based PNM Resources—quit the group, citing its “opposition to climate change legislation.”

The business federation has refuted the allegation that it opposes climate change legislation. “Our position is simple: There should be a comprehensive legislative solution that does not harm the economy, recognizes that the problem is international in scope, and aggressively promotes new technologies and efficiency,” it has said. “Protecting our economy and the environment for future generations are mutually achievable goals.”

On Monday, the Chamber’s Senior Vice President for Communications and Strategy Thomas J. Collamore issued a statement, attempting to clarify the group’s position—which he said had been “muddled” by the hoax.

“These irresponsible tactics are a foolish distraction from the serious effort by our nation to reduce greenhouse gases,” he said. “The U.S. Chamber believes that strong climate legislation is compatible with the goals of improving our economy and creating jobs. We continuously seek opportunities to engage in a constructive dialogue to achieve these goals.”

The Chamber has asked law enforcement to investigate the event, Collamore said.

Sources: YouTube.com, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, POWERnews