President Obama’s decision to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held at Copenhagen on 9 December 2009 was applauded by business leaders such as CEOs from leading Clean Energy companies, consumer giants, manufacturers and leading electric utilities of the nation. By attending this conference, President Obama will have a chance to demonstrate the commitment of the US to work with international communities in the battle against climate change.
John Doerr, Partner of Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers, stated that through this conference, the whole world will be made aware of President Obama’s determination and commitment in utilizing clean energy. John Doerr also remarked that businesses in the US will have a level playing field through an international agreement on climate change and an opportunity to bolster their competitiveness.
Jim Rogers, CEO of Duke Energy, also commented that a successive outcome of this conference will strengthen the nation’s global economy and will indeed support its goals of providing the company’s customers with efficient, reliable and clean energy.
Lew Hay, CEO and Chairman of FPL Group, commended President Obama’s effort in light of the world’s actions towards the reduction of greenhouse gases. Hay suggested that establishing the correct price signals will enable the US energy sector to bring about a low-carbon environment in the coming years.
Tom King, President of National Grid US, expressed appreciation on behalf of his company on President Obama’s participation in the Copenhagen conference along with other world and business leaders. King further stated that his company expects the Congress to deal with climate change and energy policy issues in comprehensive ways in the coming few months.
Jack Oswald, CEO of SynGest Inc., insisted that clean energy processes can be carried out in SynGest only with the establishment of proper climate change policies and global agreements. Jonathan Wolfson, CEO of Solazyme, Inc., stated that to adopt alternative technologies, long-term market and regulatory controls governing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are needed. Wolfson further remarked that President Obama’s participation in the Copenhagen conference is a positive attempt towards achieving the nation’s goal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and it also helps Solazyme to produce low carbon materials and fuels.
Wayne Leonard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy, stated that future generations will be able to experience changes, with the probable introduction of globally acceptable policies and agreements through the Copenhagen conference on climate change.
In order to trigger the introduction of a comprehensive legislation on climate and energy, business leaders from 150 companies from 30 states participated in the “We Can Lead” effort. In early October 2009, these business leaders traveled to Washington to meet with more than 50 Congress members and officials of the US Administration. This effort aimed at restoring the US’ competitiveness and providing national and economic security apart from creating a number of fresh jobs in the future.