News

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.

Senator Bernie Sanders wrote an op-ed in Fortune Magazine in support of single-payer healthcare that mentions ASBC’s leadership on this issue through Business Leaders Transforming Healthcare. 

Chris Lu, former Deputy Secretary of Labor and board member of ASBC, wrote an op-ed in Time in support of raising the minimum wage.

AP News cited ASBC’s position in support of the Paris Climate Accord. Leaving the Paris Climate Accord would hurt companies, giving them a chaotic and unsustainable future of business disruptions from rising seas and changing weather patterns.

Bloomberg BNA interviewed David Levine, ASBC’s CEO and co-founder, on the merits of protecting Safer Choice labeling program.

North American Windpower quoted ASBC’s CEO David Levine opposing Trump’s proposed budget. Said Levine, “The budget cuts will seriously impair America’s global competitiveness while China and the EU ramp up their commitments to a low-carbon future.”

The Washington Post quoted ASBC CEO David Levine in support of an Obama-era rule requiring that companies electronically report their injury and illness records.

Richard Eidlin, ASBC’s co-founder and VP of Policy, wrote a column in GreenBiz.com urging business leaders to support a carbon tax, clean water and clear labeling.

Bob Keener, ASBC’s deputy director of public relations, wrote an op-ed in the TriplePundit presenting three important policy initiatives for business to support now: single-payer healthcare, smart regulations and pay equity.

NJTV News covered Earth Friendly Products’ (an ASBC member) 50th anniversary in conjunction with global Earth Day events as one of its earliest supporters.  ASBC CEO David Levine was at the celebration and explained the importance of ingredient disclosure to the American public. 

David Levine, CEO of ASBC, wrote a column in TriplePundit about ASBC’s sign-on letter to help build a broad, collective business voice protesting the travel ban.

ASBC named as one of the major groups driving change in “Greening Capitalism Quietly”, a new report from Ethical Markets.

An article in Ethical Corporation highlighted ASBC’s sign-on letter for business leaders to register their protest against the immigration ban that “demeans our American principles and values”.

PNS Daily News radio show interviewed ASBC CEO David Levine about business opposition to the Keystone pipeline.

An article in TriplePundit supports ASBC’s push for clean energy.

An article in NPR quoted ASBC CEO David Levine in support of increased wages.  Said Levine, “With that retention they’re also getting employees that are more committed to the business, therefore productivity goes up.”

Mike O’Donnell, executive director of the Colorado Lending Source and Richard Eidlin, vice president of policy of ASBC, wrote an op-ed in The Hill in support of Trump’s nominee to lead the Small Business Administration (SBA), Linda McMahon.

Solar Industry quoted ASBC CEO David Levine on Trump’s nomination of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as head of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Said Levine, “His close ties to the oil industry in his home state will likely lead to department policy that tilts the playing field in favor of fossil fuels.”

An article in The Hill quoted ASBC CEO David Levine on Trump’s nomination of Andy Puzder for Secretary of Labor.  Said Levine, “With Mr. Puzder’s nomination, Mr. Trump is choosing the wrong model for helping the working and middle classes — and businesses that depend on healthy consumer demand.”

The New York Times quoted David Brodwin, ASBC co-founder and CFO, raising concerns about Trump’s transition team. Said Brodwin, “Trump is doubling down on crony capitalists who don’t understand that a healthy economy requires a healthy planet and consumers with money in their pockets.”

An article in TriplePundit quoted MaryAnne Howland, CEO and Founder of Ibis Communications (an ASBC member), in support of greater access to capital for minority- and women-owned businesses.

An article in Common Dreams quoted David Levine, CEO and co-founder of the American Sustainable Business Council, mourned the halting of the overtime ruling, saying the opponents were “operating from short-sighted, out-moded thinking.”

David Levine, co-founder and CEO of ASBC, told ChemicalWatch if there were to be a dismantling of regulations, or an attempt made to limit the EPA’s effectiveness, that would have an impact on TSCA.

Richard Eidlin, VP of Policy and Campaigns for American Sustainable Business Council talks about why small businesses are supporting the  National Mitigation Investment Act bill currently in Congress. He also discusses why climate change is becoming a bipartisan issue in GreenBiz.

David Brodwin, co-founder for ASBC, and Tom Matzzie, president and CEO of Ethical Electric (an
 ASBC member), wrote a piece in Conscious Company Magazine urging local businesses to engage in the fight for community solar and protect “net metering.”

An article in the New York Times quoted Bryan McGannon, ASBC policy director, in support of reforming federal laws overseeing personal care product ingredients.  Said McGannon, “Consumers are demanding cleaner and safer products, but we still have this law from almost 100 years ago.”

Zach Bernstein, ASBC’s research and social media manager, wrote a column in GreenBiz.com urging business leaders to support the Clean Power Plan, the Clean Water Rule and the EPA’s Safer Choice program.

An article in the Grocery Headquarters quoted ASBC CEO David Levine on Earth Friendly Products’ high standards of sustainability.  Said Levine, “This company is leading the way on some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time—climate, water and waste.

Frank Knapp, co-chair of ASBC and president and CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce wrote an op-ed in the Morning Consult in support of the Clean Power Plan.

ASBC network member and CEO of Tristatz LLC, William Scott, discusses how minority-owned companies have great potential to contribute more to our economy in an op-ed for SouthCoastToday.com.

The Record Herald reported on the Annual Quad-State Legislative Conference where Bryan McGannon, ASBC’s director of policy, was a guest speaker.

Bryan McGannon, policy director of ASBC, was part of a panel discussing the direction in which the Democrats need to proceed in order to change a perception that the party is pro-regulation and anti-business. An article in the Philadelphia Business Journal quoted McGannon, “Business is not monolithic. Not every business is represented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or NFIB. It’s not solely about taxes.”

E&E news discusses the spirited debate at ASBC’s policy forum during the RNC about the best way to cut emissions. Supporters of a carbon tax tangled with Rod Richardson, president of the Grace Richardson Fund, who says “clean tax cuts” would be easier to pass with Republican help.

David Levine, co-founder and CEO of the American Sustainable Business Council, wrote an op-ed in The Hill urging the EPA to focus on preparing for and preventing additional chemical-related disasters before they happen.

Pat Heffernan, president of Marketing Partners and board member of ASBC, stressed the need for both women and men to leverage the power within companies and institutions to push for cultural changes and adoption of policies that level the playing field for women in a piece in Conscious Company Magazine.

An article in the GoodCall discusses how the Obama administration launched the Fair Chance Higher Education Pledge.  It also mentioned ASBC’s pledge to break down similar stigmas in the private sectors.

David Brodwin, ASBC’s vice president of communications and media, wrote in US News & World Report about how green buildings can help fight climate change while improving profits for business.

An article in Greater Park Hill News quoted Richard Eidlin, co-founder and vice president of policy and campaigns for ASBC in support of Colorado raising the state’s minimum wage. Said Eidlin, “A higher minimum wage in Colorado is a win-win. Workers benefit from having more disposable income. Businesses benefit from having more customers able to purchase their goods and services.”

Frank Knapp, Jr., co-chair of ASBC and president & CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce wrote an op-ed in the Morning Consult supporting South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham ®’s pushing for clean energy solutions to climate change.

An article in Environmental Protection Online recommended that corporate leaders join sustainability organizations, such as the American Sustainable Business Council, to help support sustainable energy and keep informed about important developments.

An article in Energy Global discussed how ASBC and Green America are encouraging BLM to further limit venting, flaring and leaks from natural gas production on federal and tribal lands.

InsideEPA/climate discussed how ASBC is planning more in-person events in its campaign to promote a federal carbon tax, including a June event in coal-heavy Kentucky, a state that might be expected to react with hostility to such a push. (Please note: this article is behind a paywall)

An article in The Hill quoted ASBC Co-chair Frank Knapp, Jr. in support of smart regulations. Said Knapp, “Some small businesses will find compliance with federal regulations difficult. The answer is not to throw the baby out with the bathwater and invalidate existing rules.

An article in the Bloomberg View discussed the increasing dissatisfaction with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and how it is reflected in the growth of alternative business lobbying groups such as ASBC.

An article in Politico discusses ASBC’s filing a friend of the court brief, also known as an “amicus brief,” in support of the national Clean Power Plan.

Jeffrey Hollender, former CEO of Seventh Generation and co-founder of ASBC, wrote an op-ed in the Stanford Social Innovation Review discussing fourteen ways to create a marketplace that expresses the wishes and best interests of the many, not the few.

AZBigMedia discussed how Local First Arizona is partnering with the American Sustainable Business Council to bring the discussion on carbon pricing to Arizona.

Greta Twombly, ASBC’s manager of campaigns, and MaryAnne Howland, president and CEO of Ibis Communications and an ASBC board member, wrote an op-ed in the Conscious Company magazine making the business case for good workplace policies.

Bryan McGannon, director of policy for ASBC, wrote an op-ed in The Hill discussing how regulations are vital to business owners’ success.

Zach Bernstein, ASBC’s research and social media manager, wrote an op-ed in GreenBiz.com stressing the need for business leaders to call on Congress to take action on climate change.

David Brodwin, ASBC VP of Communications and Media, wrote an op-ed in the Conscious Company Magazine discussing the growing number of options that management teams can use to protect a company’s mission while taking in more capital.

An article in ThinkProgress quoted ASBC co-chair Frank Knapp, Jr. in support of the Clean Power Plan. Said Knapp, “The Supreme Court didn’t negate any of what’s on the ground and what’s already moving. In the big scheme of things, it’s OK. We can survive this.”