Cohoes, New York, USA, 20 October 2009 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Mohawk Fine Papers is the latest company to resign from the United States Chamber of Commerce over climate policy.

"We believe that our continued membership in an organization that vigorously opposes sensible climate change policies is detrimental to our position as a business leader with a strong record in the areas of environmental innovation and climate protection," said George F. Milner, Mohawk's senior vice president, Energy, Environmental, and Government Affairs.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been critical of efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gases responsible for global warming and is working to stop the Waxman-Markey climate change bill from passing.

"We understand that the U.S. Chamber's job is to promote policies that represent the consensus opinion of its membership; but the Chamber also has a responsibility to shape that consensus with vision, guidance, and leadership that looks beyond ideological divisions. That is particularly important in the area of climate change policies," wrote Milner in a letter to the Chamber last week.

In a newsletter recently released by U.S. Representative Paul D. Tonko of the 21st Congressional District, Mohawk voiced support for the American Clean Energy Security Act (ACES).

"Mohawk Fine Papers supports the American Clean Energy Security Act because it will lessen our dependence on foreign oil while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases," stated Milner.  "This is in itself a worthy goal but, as we move forward, we will also benefit from the creation of a new manufacturing sector that will employ millions in the production of components for renewable energy technologies."

Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. is the largest manufacturer of premium printing, writing, and digital paper in North America. Mohawk is also the exclusive marketer of premium coated brands manufactured by Smart Papers. Mohawk engineers its papers to provide optimal performance for sheetfed, web, and digital printing. Uses for Mohawk papers include corporate reports, corporate identity systems, brochures, packaging, invitations, and announcements. Mohawk Digital Papers are also used in on-demand photo books, personalized direct mail, and custom packaging. A certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise and leader in environmental stewardship, Mohawk is the first U.S. paper mill to match 100% of its electricity with wind power renewable energy credits and the first U.S. premium paper mill to shift toward carbon neutral production. Also offered are recycled papers certified by Green Seal and papers certified to the Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) standards by SmartWood, a program of the Rainforest Alliance. FSC certification ensures responsible use of forest resources.