E&E News: Business Groups Want Larger Role in U.N. Emission Talks

Michael Burnham, E&E senior reporter

Business groups from the United States and seven other nations signed a declaration today, vowing to take a leadership role in developing energy-efficient technologies and helping U.N. representatives broker a deal to cut global emissions of greenhouse gases.

The declaration, signed at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, does not call for specific targets for emissions reductions or government spending. Rather, it encourages U.N. representatives to sign a climate pact later this year in Copenhagen that promotes economic development and a "level playing field" for industry.

"The agreement should provide a clear framework for international cooperative action in the areas of mitigation, adaptation, technology and finance," the declaration states. "It should be consistent with the scientific understanding of the risks of climate change and based on a long-term shared vision that respects the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities among all countries."

The business groups from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, India, Japan, Kenya and the United States wrote that they are concerned that some governments are considering imposing unilateral border adjustments on imported goods, which could "invite retaliation" and slow the dissemination of clean-energy technologies.

"It is not simply an American sentiment at this point; everyone is interested in protecting their backyard," said Karen Harbert, president of the U.S. Chamber's Institute for 21st Century Energy, which hosted the gathering.

The chamber staunchly opposed "Buy American" language in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for fear it would spark trade wars. Today's declaration encourages governments to work in the World Trade Organization to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade.

"The international climate negotiations should not be used to erect barriers to free and open trade and investment," the declaration states.

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