Duke Energy CEO Bolts Chamber of Commerce

Duke Energy CEO James Rogers is the latest Chamber of Commerce member whose pragmatic stance on climate change has caused a rift with the lobbying group.

Duke Energy CEO James Rogers is the latest Chamber of Commerce member whose pragmatic stance on climate change has caused a rift with the lobbying group. The Wonk Room reports that Rogers resigned from the Chamber's board, abandoning his plan to shift its stance on climate registration.

Duke owns nuclear reactors all over the United States but also relies heavily on coal, making it the third largest U.S. carbon emitter. Rogers, however, is known for his enthusiasm for green energy and his openness to environmentalist viewpoints. Climate Desk contributor Clive Thompson described Rogers' efforts to pass a cap-and-trade bill that would allow Duke to plan for a renewable future -- which included taking noted NASA climate scientist Jim Hansen out to dinner.

Siemens' U.S. CEO has also jumped ship, according to the Wonk Room, which tracks the shifts in the Chamber's boardroom in a nifty chart.