The Guardian asked corporate partners of three big environmental NGOs – Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund US – for their position on EPA’s Clean Power Plan, a cornerstone of the Obama administration’s climate policy.

The policy is one that NGOs consider a top priority in the fight against climate change, but a large number of corporate partners aren’t backing them up. Except where noted, these companies have not taken a position on the EPA plan. Here are their responses, edited for length:

Avon

When we do get involved in environmental advocacy, it is through Ceres as members of BICEP and as signatories of the Climate Declaration. Our team is reprioritizing and focusing our efforts less on advocacy and more on results and executing on our climate commitment.

BICEP’s Climate Declaration is a broad statement of concern about climate change; the company has not taken a position on the EPA Clean Power Plan.

Bank of America

We don’t have any information to share right now on the EPA Power Plan.

Boeing

Unfortunately, we are unable to participate in this article.

Boise

We have not taken a position on the proposed regulation of power plant emissions but are watching developments. We really don’t think we are a part of this story at the moment.

Bunge

Our efforts related to climate change are focused on sustainable agriculture.

Cargill

Cargill is part of Risky Business to lead a dialogue across the philosophical spectrum about the long-term impact that climate change could have on the ability to produce food and the ways that agriculture can adapt to ensure global food security. We believe progress can best be made by engaging with groups and discussing our point of view. In fact, Greg Page, former CEO of Cargill, briefed Tom Donahue, president and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce, this summer about the Risky Business project and its findings. We also spoke with the Farm Bureau about the Risky Business report and asked their advice about how to effectively engage farmers on the climate change issue.

Carlyle Group

We will decline to comment.

Caterpillar

Caterpillar filed comments with EPA opposing the coal-plant rules. The company said: “Caterpillar strongly urges EPA to withdraw the Proposed Rule in order to (1) reevaluate the agency’s legal authority to establish requirements on both the entire electric sector and end-users of electricity; (2) conduct a more full and realistic estimate of the economic impacts of its proposed rule; (3) consider changes that avoid the adverse impacts outlined in these comments; and (4) provide guidance to states so that they have the tools necessary to minimize adverse impacts as they construct compliance plans.” In its sustainability report, Caterpillar says: “We support intelligent, responsible public policies addressing climate and energy issues.”

Citi

Our new sustainable progress strategy and $100bn environmental finance goal clearly define climate change as a key issue and real market opportunity for Citi and our clients. We believe that the most effective role we can play is to provide market-based solutions for our clients who want to invest in sustainable projects.

Coca Cola

Our sustainability priorities are women, water and well-being – all areas that tie closely to our business. We focus our company efforts on these areas and matters that can impact our business. Our climate change position statement is available here. In essence it says we believe in the science and we are working to be part of the solution.

CSX

CSX filed comments opposing the EPA Clean Power Plan. The company says: “As one of the nation’s leading stewards of environmental responsibility and economic growth, CSX supports balanced environmental regulation that reduces emissions, preserves fuel diversity and energy independence, and ensures affordable energy for businesses and families. Unfortunately, EPA’s Proposed Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources; Electrical Utility Generating Units (“Proposed Rule”) falls short when measured against that framework. The Proposed Rule exceeds the agency’s legal authority and threatens our country’s economic recovery and energy security.”

Disney

The private sector plays a significant role in addressing climate change. The Walt Disney Company has signed the Ceres Climate Declaration in support of that shared commitment.

The climate declaration is a broad statement of concern about climate change; the company has not taken a position on the EPA Clean Power Plan.



Dow Chemical

Dow Chemical filed comments with EPA recommending changes to the plan. The company says: “Dow recommends that the proposed rule be improved such that US manufacturing is not disadvantaged and states are given greater flexibility in implementation. As currently proposed, Dow believes that the rule will have a detrimental impact on the US manufacturing renaissance by increasing the demand for natural gas at the same time when supplies are most likely to be constrained because of increased industrial demand. We strongly believe that this will result in price increases and greater volatility that will hurt manufacturers.”



DuPont

We have a preference for a comprehensive, market-based approach to addressing climate change.

The company was a member of the US Climate Action Partnership, an industry-NGO alliance that supported broad-based climate regulation, but it has not taken a position on the EPA Clean Power Plan.



Ecolab

Ecolab has not taken a position on the EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan regulation because our facilities and operations would not be subject to the proposed rule, which focuses on power generation. Ecolab supports a balanced approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while sustaining economic growth and competitiveness.

FedEx

FedEx is committed to finding planet-conscious solutions that meet the needs of society. Not only do we try and set an example by our own actions, we advocate policy in support of these efforts. Regarding the EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan to regulate US coal plants, that is not directed at our industry sector.

General Electric

General Electric filed a 79-page comment with EPA recommending changes to the plan. The company says: “Increasing the efficiency of coal-fired steam boilers and the use of natural gas, renewable, and nuclear generation are critical steps to reducing carbon intensity in the power sector. GE believes that the proposed carbon pollution guidelines for existing electric generating units represents a good faith effort to achieve these goals, while providing the flexibility required by states and the electric utility industry to reduce emissions in a cost-effective manner without disrupting the reliability of the grid. However, we believe that this rule should be improved to make it more flexible, less burdensome, and more legally defensible.”



General Mills

As a global food company, General Mills recognizes the risks that climate change presents to humanity, our environment and our livelihoods. Knowing this is an issue no one company can tackle alone, we believe businesses, together with governments, NGOs and individuals, needs to act to reduce the human impact on climate change. Government policies that provide proportionate and clear guidance on mitigation and adaptation are essential for large scale progress. We have recently joined the Ceres Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy, in an effort to advocate for more meaningful energy and climate legislation.

Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs believes that a healthy environment is necessary for the wellbeing of society, our people and our business, and is the foundation for a sustainable and strong economy. Through the Center for Environmental Markets, we collaborate with corporations, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations to research and develop pilot projects that inform public policy and help further market-based solutions to environmental challenges.

Google

Google filed comments supporting the EPA Clean Power Plan, recommending that it be stronger. The company says: “EPA may be underestimating the potential that renewable energy offers in helping states meet their goals under the Clean Power Plan, and Google offers suggestions before on how to maximize the opportunities from renewables.”

Harley-Davidson

With apologies, we will pass on the opportunity to be part of this story.

IBM

IBM recognizes climate change is a serious concern that warrants meaningful action on a global basis to stabilize the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases. IBM believes all sectors of society, the economy and governments worldwide must participate in solutions to climate change.

Johnson & Johnson

Our credo is the foundation for our Climate Friendly Energy Policy, and we support sound, science-based public policy intended to reduce carbon emissions. We have been signatories of the Bali, Poznan, Copenhagen, Cancun, and 2 Degree Climate Change Communiques. We also engage with various partners including World Wildlife Fund, World Resources Institute, Harvard Center for Human Health and the Global Environment, and the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge. We have no plans to take a public position on the EPA Clean Power Plan.

JPMorgan Chase

We have not taken a policy position on climate, or any other issue not directly related to finance.

Kimberly Clark

We’re currently in the process of refreshing our climate strategy.

Kimpton Hotels

Kimpton cannot comment on the EPA. Thank you for understanding.

KKR

Usually, we do not take public positions on policies that affect our portfolio companies, and this time is no different.

Mars

Mars signed the Ceres letter supporting the EPA Clean Power Plan.





Monsanto

To the best of my knowledge, we do not have a position on the EPA Clean Power Plan.

Ocean Spray

I’m afraid we will not be able to participate in this.

PepsiCo

While PepsiCo has not taken a position on the specific EPA regulations on power plants, we have made our commitment to address climate change very clear to policymakers, stakeholders and trade associations. When the issue was first raised before Congress, PepsiCo supported action as put forth by US Climate Action Partnership. In more recent years, PepsiCo has endorsed action through the Copenhagen Communique, Ceres’ BICEP Climate Declaration and The Prince of Wales Corporate Leaders Group Trillion Tonne Communique. We have supported EPA’s mandatory carbon reporting requirements and improved US fleet fuel efficiency standards.

Sealed Air

We have not taken a public position on the policy.

Smithfield Foods

We have not taken a position on the EPA Clean Power Plan. We have lobbied for various environmental positions in the past, but not as it relates to climate change.

Sodexo

Unfortunately there is nothing we can add to the conversation at this stage.

Starbucks

Starbucks signed the Ceres letter supporting the EPA Clean Power Plan.



Target

We don’t have a position on the EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan, and Target does not support the US Chamber’s position.

3M

3M has a strong history of proactive, environmental stewardship and cooperation with environmental NGOs. On the issue of climate, 3M is a member of the National Climate Coalition, a multi-industry coalition providing constructive input to US EPA on carbon regulations under the Clean Air Act. The NCC is actively engaged with US EPA on legal and technical issues related to the proposed Clean Power Plan.

UPS

As one of the world’s largest transportation and logistics companies, UPS acknowledges that greenhouse gas emissions pose serious environmental challenges and impact the climate. We share a responsibility with all segments of society to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.

Walmart

At both the local and national level, Walmart’s legislative outreach focuses on issues that are fundamental to the retail business and related to our core competencies. For other issues that touch our business, we help inform and educate our stakeholders and participate in cross-sector initiatives like the WWF/WRI Renewable Buyer’s Principles.

Xerox

Xerox takes no position on those policies or the activities of the trade associations’ efforts regarding them. Only Xerox speaks for Xerox, and our membership in a trade association does not mean we agree or endorse every position it takes.

The company has not taken a position on the EPA Clean Power Plan.

AT&T, Delta, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Mosaic, Procter & Gamble and Wegman’s did not respond to calls or emails from the Guardian.