Green Think

I have to admit, I was fooled.

A news release arrived in my inbox from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Monday trumpeting an about face in the important business group's position toward climate-change legislation.

"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is throwing its weight behind strong climate legislation, a spokesman for Chamber President Tom J. Donahue announced today at the National Press Club."

Wow, I said to myself. It's about time. The Chamber has taken a reactionary position on environmental issues; I was glad to see them finally come around.

It was a hoax.

As it turns out, a "Chamber spokesperson" did make the announcement at the National Press Club in Washington. He was an imposter, a member of the Yes Men. In their own words, the hoax was designed to "draw attention to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 'troglodytic' fight against climate change legislation."

You see, the real chamber seems to believe it is their business to oppose anything that might have any negative impact on any of their members -- or at least on those influential members who happen to be oil and coal companies. What made the hoax easy to believe is the fact that the business group has taken a pounding lately from within and without on their stand. Many business see profit in climate-change policies, many see the Chamber's position as bad public relations. Some high profile companies -- Apple, Levi Strauss -- have left the chamber as a result.

For more about the hoax, its impact on the media and the real Chamber of Commerce's reaction, check out this Washington Post story: Pranksters stage Chamber of Commerce climate change event.

Here's hoping that someday this won't be a hoax.