# U.S. Chamber of Commerce Ad Misleads America on Costs of Global Warming Action

*Published:* 2007-11-15
*Author:* Sheryl Canter

*This post is by Sheryl Canter, an Online Writer and Editorial Manager at Environmental Defense.*

It’s no surprise the U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes the Lieberman-Warner bill (see their [new ad](http://www.uschamber.com/press/ads/advocate_climatechange)). They’ve been one of the loudest voices against global warming action for years.

The problem is, their claim that a firm climate bill will cripple our economy is simply wrong. See our previous post on [Green Technologies](https://blogs.edf.org/climate411/2007/03/28/green_technologies/) for a more realistic assessment of the costs. There is also a cost to inaction. A recent [study by the University of Maryland](http://www.cier.umd.edu/climateadaptation/) found that the [most expensive option is to do nothing](https://blogs.edf.org/climate411/2007/10/17/cost_of_inaction/).

While the U.S. Chamber of Commerce uses scare tactics to oppose action, many in the business community see global warming action as not only necessary, but a huge economic opportunity. The [U.S. Climate Action Partnership](http://www.us-cap.org/) includes [dozens of Fortune 500 companies](https://blogs.edf.org/climate411/2007/05/08/uscap_wave2/) that support a mandatory cap on greenhouse gas emissions.

Growing numbers in the business community support the Lieberman-Warner bill, and understand its necessity and promise. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce should stop using scare tactics, and recognize the opportunities in a smart global warming policy.