Obama’s Presence During Final Day of Copenhagen Conference

"We applaud President Obama’s decision to participate in the final crucial hours of the Copenhagen talks," said Jeff Anderson, Executive Director of the Clean Economy Network, a national advocacy association representing the clean tech and green business community. "His decision sends a strong message to the world that America is committed to lead in the development of an international agreement that will unleash new investments, drive American innovation and move us forward in building a productive, competitive economy here at home."

"President Obama’s decision to participate in the Copenhagen talks later in the conference and alongside other world leaders reinforces his commitment to tackle climate change," said Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, a leading coalition of investors and environmental groups. "We applaud his decision and look forward to his continued leadership in achieving strong Congressional action that will further catalyze a new, clean energy economy."

David Vieau, President and CEO of A123 Systems, a developer and manufacturer of advanced lithium ion batteries and battery systems, joined with Anderson and Lubber in commending the President for his leadership in laying the foundation for a clean energy economy.

"An international agreement on climate is essential for creating a level playing field for American businesses to compete in the global marketplace. President Obama’s attendance and active participation at Copenhagen will take us one step closer to laying the foundation for a new, clean energy future and establishing a level playing field for businesses to compete," said Vieau.

Business leaders from 150 companies from 30 states across the country joined the We Can Lead effort and traveled to Washington in early October to meet with Administration officials and more than 50 members of Congress to urge passage of comprehensive energy and climate legislation. We Can Lead continues to advocate for passage of comprehensive legislation that includes a price on carbon to spur American innovation, unleash U.S. investment, create millions of new jobs, restore America’s competitiveness and provide for economic and national security.

We Can Lead is sponsored by the Clean Economy Network and Ceres’ Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP). For more on We Can Lead, visit www.wecanlead.org

The Clean Economy Network, Inc. (CEN) is a national advocacy association for the clean tech and green business community. CEN is a broad, nonpartisan network of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors from across the economy and across the political spectrum.

Ceres is the largest coalition of investors, environmental and public interest organizations in North America. Ceres launched the BICEP coalition, whose members include Levi Strauss & Co., Nike, Starbucks, Sun Microsystems, The Timberland Company, Aspen Skiing Company, Clif Bar & Company, eBay, Gap Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle, The North Face, Seventh Generation, Ben and Jerry’s, Eileen Fisher, Stonyfield Farm Inc., and Symantec.