Climate Change Solutions Require Collaboration Between Public, Private Sectors 

The public and private sectors must be working together, not against each other, to address climate change threats, the head of Connecticut’s largest business organization says.
Speaking after state Attorney General William Tong filed a suit Sept. 14 against Exxon Mobil, CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said climate change was a shared global challenge best addressed through collaboration.
“While we share the attorney general’s commitment to a clean and safe environment, we hope that we and others in the business community can work with his office to avoid further litigation,” DiPentima said.
“The fact is that many Connecticut businesses, especially manufacturers, are at the forefront of developing innovative processes to reduce emissions while remaining economically competitive.
“The best results are achieved through cooperation and litigation should only be used as a last resort.”

DiPentima said Connecticut businesses are national leaders in reducing emissions and are part of the solution, not part of the problem.
“Manufacturers, including energy manufacturers, are investing major resources in developing ways to source and use energy more efficiently,” he said.
“If we want to make a real difference, let’s work together to foster innovation and implement the policies needed to bring meaningful, sustainable solutions.”
DiPentima added that employers were also concerned that litigation does not improve the perceptions of Connecticut’s business climate, nor address the state’s high energy costs, hampering job creation and ultimately hurting residents.