News

An article in the Washington Examiner showcased ASBC’s virtual event with Gina McCarthy, Climate Change & Biden’s First 100 Days with Gina McCarthy.

The Biden-Harris White House has announced sweeping executive and agency action today, on the day of his inauguration; the start of fulfilling campaign commitments and signaling a transformative and inclusive government.  Many of these sweeping policy actions are decisions and policies for which American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) has long been fighting. We celebrate with countless businesses, partner organizations and coalitions that helped to achi

WASHINGTON, DC – The American Sustainable Business Institute (ASBI) has selected a new board chair and announced new board members who will each help support the organization’s mission to educate and inform the public and policy makers about the benefits of a more sustainable economy, and about policies and practices that can foster an American economy that works for all.

The ability to conduct business depends on the rule of law and equal justice, which came under attack yesterday when domestic terrorists assaulted and ransacked the U.S. Capitol building and disrupted and threatened members of Congress while executing the business of the American people.

For that reason, the American Sustainable Business Council, representing more than 250,000 businesses believes several critical steps must be taken immediately to restore the rule of law and hold accountable those terrorists and those who encouraged, enabled and/or incited them.

WASHINGTON, DC, January 5, 2021 — On behalf of the 250,000 businesses ASBC represents, we call on all members of Congress to defend our democracy and certify November’s election results when they meet Wednesday, January 6. ASBC endorses the bipartisan effort from across the country supporting a swift and transparent transfer of power to the Biden-Harris administration, upholding the electoral norms that have been a cornerstone of American constitutional democracy for 224 years.  

WASHINGTON – The American Sustainable Business Council applauds Congress for reaching apparent agreement on a fifth, desperately needed $900 billion COVID relief bill, but ASBC expressed strong disappointment that it does not include extending emergency paid leave provisions. 

Contact:

Victor Meseguer, Director of Social Economy Europe,
director@socialeconomy.eu.org | M: +32471768227
Thomas P. Oppel
Executive Vice President, American Sustainable Business Council
toppel@asbcouncil.org | O: (202) 660-1455 | M: (603) 304-6767

A story in Business Green details new efforts to have ad agencies “come clean” about their work for the fossil fuel industry.

WASHINGTON, D.C — No matter the outcome of the November Elections, now is the critical time for business leaders to urge legislators to pass a comprehensive national climate policy. The Step Up, Speak Out: A Business Advocacy Guide for Climate Action created by the American Sustainable Business Council and Business Climate Leaders can help business leaders contribute. 

Public Policy Initiatives Forge Path To “New Normal” For A Nation In Crisis

WASHINGTON, DC, October 7, 2020—The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), the nation’s foremost business advocate for an environmentally safe and equitable economy, today announces the release of its public policy proposal, Creating An Economic System That Works For All.

WASHINGTON, DC, September 21, 2020 - The American Sustainable Business Council is saddened by the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Friday, September 18, and honors her enduring legacy of fighting for gender equality throughout American society. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In part of their ongoing voter and election advocacy campaign, the American Sustainable Business Council today unveiled a new interactive voter + poll-worker resource hub. Among the many tools available for its network will be a page for business people and citizens alike to find full voter and poll-worker information by state, including important deadlines for mail-in voting and absentee voting.

WASHINGTON, D.C, – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s proposed corporate immunity legislation should be called the “No Accountability” plan, according to the American Sustainable Business Council.

Washington, DC – The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) released a statement endorsing the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, which was introduced today in the Congress by U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), U.S. Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

Washington, DC – Today, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) released a statement critical of the expected announcement of the finalization of a new Waters of the US rule. The new rule will limit the scope of waterways covered under the Clean Water Act to its lowest number since the 1980s.  In attempt to convey that the business community is behind the new rule, the EPA’s Administrator, Andrew Wheeler, will make this announcement today at a meeting of the National Association of Home Builders. ASBC President David Levine asserted that the opposite is true. 

Washington, DC – The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) today released principles to guide systemic changes needed to reduce packaging waste in the United States. Developed by a working group of business and association leaders, the principles are designed to guide improved business practices, regulations and legislation. The 20-member working group participants included Clif Bar, Green America, Lego, Method and Seventh Generation among others.

Washington, DC – Responding to President Trump’s planned  announcement today to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) released a statement denouncing the move.

WASHINGTON DC — The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), representing the public policy interests of more than 250,000 responsible businesses, today expressed disappointment at the decision by the U.S. District Court of Appeals to uphold much of the FCC’s 2017 repeal of Net Neutrality rules for regulation of the Internet. 

WASHINGTON DC — The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), representing the public policy interests of more than 250,000 responsible businesses, today announced its support for a coalition of farmers and ranchers that has endorsed the Green New Deal. Thomas Oppel, Executive Vice President of ASBC, spoke at a press event held today by the coalition of nearly 10,000 farmers and ranchers. 

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), representing the public policy interests of more than 250,000 responsible businesses, today endorsed the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2019, which was introduced by Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill. The bill addresses the serious problem of toxic chemicals in products linked to cancer and other illnesses.

Washington, DC – The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), representing the public policy interests of more than 250,000 responsible businesses, today denounced as “dangerously myopic” the response by the Council of Institutional Investors (CII) to calls for companies to consider all stakeholders, not just shareholders, in their drive for more profits.

Washington, DC – The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), representing the public policy interests of more than 250,000 responsible businesses, praised the “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation” announced today by the Business Roundtable (BRT). ASBC is focusing on steps to turn principles like those in the BRT statement into substantive reforms to capitalism at its summit in December. 

Washington, DC – Today, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) praised the introduction of Clean Energy Victory Bonds bills in Congress. The legislation calls for government bonds that would support clean energy and energy efficiency.  

Washington, DC – Today, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) released a statement applauding the passage of a bill raising the $7.25 federal minimum wage. It was passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives. The statement also calls on the Senate and the White House to pass the bill and sign it into law. The following may be attributed to Jeffery Hollender, CEO of ASBC: 

Washington, DC – In response to yesterday’s passage of the Save the Internet Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) released a statement praising the move and calling on the Senate to also pass it. The following may be attributed to John Minor, Policy Manager: 

DATELINE – APRIL 1, 2019 – Today, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), a network of companies and business associations committed to the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit, announced that Jeffrey Hollender, ASBC’s Co-founder and Board Chair, is stepping in as CEO, effective immediately. As CEO, he will support the organization’s next steps in successfully building toward a sustainable economy.

WASHINGTON, DC — In response to the Trump Administration’s announced proposal to replace the Waters of the U.S. rule, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), which with its member organizations represents more than 250,000 businesses, released the following statement. It may be attributed to CEO Hammad Atassi.

“American business relies on clean water. If you end protections for streams and wetlands, you put the businesses that depend on water at risk. And yet, the Trump Administration’s proposal to replace the Waters of the U.S. rule would do exactly that.

Washington, DC – Today, the leading policy advocacy group for responsible businesses released a statement in support of the Resolutions for the Green New Deal introduced by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY 14). The following may be attributed to David Levine, President, American Sustainable Business Council:

An article in Just Taxes cites ASBC’s new study, A Simple Fix for a $17 Billion Loophole, by ITEP, the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, SalesFactor.org, and the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC)

Michael Green, the Program Director of the Climate Action Business Association (an ASBC member), wrote an op-ed in The Hill making the business case for a price on carbon.

Washington, DC – Today, the Washington, DC City Council passed the DC Clean Energy Omnibus Act of 2018. In response, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) released a statement praising the move. The statement may be attributed to CEO Hammad Atassi.

Washington, DC – In response to the National Climate Assessment released by the White House last Friday, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) released the following statement. It may be attributed to CEO Hammad Atassi.

Washington, DC – In response to the announcement late last week that President Trump will nominate Andrew Wheeler to head the EPA, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) released the following statement. It may be attributed to CEO Hammad Atassi.

ASBC CEO Hammad Attasi wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post op-ed in support of a climate change plan being voted on soon by the DC Council.

Steve Greer, CEO of American Income Life Agency Division (an ASBC member), wrote and op-ed in the Waco Tribune-Herald in support of worker ownership.

A news article in ChemicalWatch, about the EPA’s proposed policy on what type of science can be used in its decisions about chemical safety, quotes ASBC saying, “The more research the EPA considers, the more informed and appropriate their response can be to findings about harmful effects of chemicals.” (Pay wall)

ASBC member Richard Graves, Co-founder of CleanChoice Energy, is quoted in this Associated Press story about hiring challenges. According to the article, “…its mission — to provide homes with renewable energy — helps attract employees.”

FARGO, ND – Businesses from 30 states urged a federal court in North Dakota to uphold the Clean Water Rule, in an amicus brief filed by Environment America Research & Policy Center and the National Environmental Law Center.  From outfitters to brewers to farmers, many of these businesses depend on clean water for their livelihoods. In addition, 62 local officials also signed onto a separate amicus brief also filed by the groups.

An article in the Dallas Morning News discussed how Conservative Dallas philanthropist Trammell S. Crow, a panelist on ASBC’s Policy Forum on Conservative Thought and Sustainability at the RNC, makes the business case for cleaner energy.

An article in ChemicalWatch quoted ASBC President and Co-founder David Levine in support of New York’s cleaning product disclosure policy. The New York requirements, “…will help not only deliver what consumers want but will, in turn, grow a strong and healthy New York economy”.

An article in mynewsLA.com cites ASBC’s highroad report and definition. “High-road” companies “view the workplace as a means to create significant business and social impact (and) reject low-road business models that exploit employees and disregard the environment as the basis for success.”

After the Senate Democrats’ successful passage of the net neutrality CRA, ASBC’s Ryan Rabac discusses the implications for businesses.

Julie Gorte, senior vice president at Impax Asset Management LLC (an ASBC member), wrote an op-ed in Union Leader supporting a carbon price study that will identify exactly what the market is willing to bear and give us a road map for creating a low-carbon, modern economy in New Hampshire.

Julia Watts, assistant policy director at ASBC, wrote a column TriplePundit in support of the FAMILY Act.

The SentinelSource.com quoted ASBC’s Chris Blackburn, director of policy, in support of the formation of the Carbon Costs Coalition. Said Blackburn, “Business leaders understand that climate change is a growing risk to their bottom lines. That’s why many support a carbon price as the most efficient and effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Marketplace interviewed Michael Bronner, president of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps (an ASBC member), about proposals to cut legal immigration by up to half. For companies that employ many immigrants, that could mean it will be harder for them to find workers to fill jobs.

An article in Environmental Health Perspectives quoted ASBC’s President and CEO David Levine in support of ingredient disclosure. Said Levine, “Every company we talk to tells us that they can assess what is in their competitor’s product, so why are they fighting the bills to ensure ingredient disclosure at the federal and state level?”

The Houstonia cited ASBC’s open letter to FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai opposing the elimination of net neutrality.

Global Trade quoted Richard Eidlin, ASBC”s VP of Policy and Campaigns, urging Trump to renegotiate the NAFTA fairly for small business.

Bryan McGannon, ASBC policy director, told Bloomberg BNA that ASBC will work with congressional legislators to secure the reintroduction of the Cleaning Product Right to Know Act in 2017.

An article in Newsweek quoted David Levine, ASBC’s CEO and president, supporting net neutrality. Said Levine, “Net neutrality fuels business competition. Without net neutrality, we lose the free market aspects of the Internet.”

An article in the Boston Globe quoted Rachel Solem, president of Irving House (an ASBC member), and other signers of ASBC’s letter urging the FCC to keep current Net neutrality rules in place.

Barry A. Cik, co-founder and technical director of Naturepedic (an ASBC member), wrote an op-ed in Cleveland.com against the the Regulatory Accountability Act(RAA). Cik urges Congress to reject the RAA and keep businesses competitive to keep all kids and grandkids safe.

Source Publication Date: December 6, 2017

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An article in the New York Times cited ASBC’s open letter to the F.C.C. in support of net neutrality.

Common Dreams quoted ASBC CEO David Levine opposing the latest executive order that will weaken Affordable Care Act.  Said Levine, “This executive order will put sand in the gears of the ACA markets, leading to increased destabilization. American businesses—both large and small—need more stabilization of the ACA markets, not less.”

Jim Barber, cofounder of Luke’s Toy Factor (an ASBC partner), wrote an op-ed in lohud.com about how federal legislation could make it harder to enforce safety standards for toys.  

Conscious Company published the free PDF containing the best advice from the lobbying experts at ASBC on how to make your voice heard, plus insights about working with the media from the team here at Conscious Company.

Eric Leenson and Dan Geiger, co-directors Business Alliance for a Healthy California (a fiscally sponsored project of ASBC), co-wrote an op-ed in El Tecolote in support of the California single-payer bill SB 562.