Global Resource Sustainability Task Force

Task Force Engagement:

Pressure is rising on business to demonstrate sustainable and efficient use of natural resources, but it is often left out of the discussion. It’s imperative that business has a constant voice in addressing policy-makers on ways to incentivize and reward efficient management of all finite resources along global supply chains.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is building a group of international companies to establish business approaches to sustainable resource management in major markets. The U.S. Chamber has already established a dialogue with the G7, and we will use it to drive a pro-business understanding of resource challenges. We will advocate for preemptive systemic policies that enable investment and innovation in the better management of finite resources, and offer high-level dialogue with climate policymakers in key markets and multilateral organizations. 

Featured task force guest speakers have included: 

• Jeffrey Haeni - Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment (E3)
• Dr. Osama Faqeeha - G20 Environmental Sherpa and Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saudi Arabia 
• Victoria Gunderson - Deputy Director, Office of Investment, Energy, and Infrastructure at U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Nauman Bashir Bhatti - Co-Chair of the Board, Green Climate Fund
• John Podesta, Founder & Chair, Center for American Progress
• David Marchick, COO of the Development Finance Corporation 

Strategy:

Policy Engagement:

• Advocate for results-oriented policies and performance standards to bolster efficient use of finite resources.• Advocate for science-based methods of gauging the benefits of resource efficiency.• Build business’ credibility with international governing bodies.• Support U.S. policymakers in sensible climate policy and their international engagements.• Urge changes in public spending and accounting rules to incentivize resource efficiency.

Position Papers:

• Promote resource efficiency solutions in manufacturing, logistics, urban and agricultural use, and finance.• Develop regional and country-specific recommendations on green growth (e.g. Comments on the European Commission's Consultation on the Renewed Sustainable Finance Strategy) • View the U.S. Chamber's recommendations on Sustainability and Trade.

Public Outreach:

• Support thought leadership of task force members• Build issue-based international coalitions

Regional Engagement: 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched the International Policy Coalition for Sustainable Growth (CSG), as an open-network of national and international businesses and experts that advocate for public policy solutions to drive environmentally sustainable economic growth. 

The Global Resource & Sustainability Task Force serves as the steering committee for the CSG, which advances national, regional, and global sustainable development policies focused on driving innovation in resource efficiency across a range of sectors. The CSG promotes trade policies that support environmental sustainability and competitiveness, and advocates for market-based financing for sustainable infrastructure investments.

Four policy pillars are central to the work of the coalition: 

1. Sustainable Growth
2. Resource Efficiency
3. Green Capital
4. Sustainable Trade 

For more infomation about the CSG and our knowledge partners, please click here. 

For more information on joining the task force or the coalition, contact Gary Litman.