McNally: Why I Am Resigning from the US Chamber of Commerce

WASHINGTON, DC-GlobeSt.com caught up with Skanska USA president Mike McNally to hear first hand what he hopes to accomplish by resigning his membership in the US Chamber of Commerce. Briefly, earlier this week McNally announced he was resigning from the association because of its backing of the American High-Performance Building Coalition, a lobbying organization that opposes USGBC's LEED version 4 and is pushing for alternative green standards for federal buildings. For more background, please read our earlier coverage.

GlobeSt.com: The issue is with American High-Performance Building Coalition, correct? Why resign from the US Chamber of Commerce?

McNally: Yes, that is true, they are the real problem--the organization and the amendment they are trying to attach on the Senate bill. But I have to say I am very, very disappointed in the Chamber.

GlobeSt.com: How did all of this come about?

McNally: I wasn't aware of the amendment until an employee pointed it out to me. I investigated and then realized that the Chamber was backing this group. I tried speaking with them but didn't get very far.

GlobeSt.com: What do you hope to accomplish by resigning, other than showing your displeasure?

McNally: I want to raise awareness about this measure and hopefully get other companies to speak out it against it too. Look, I don't imagine for a second our resignation will hurt the Chamber and I am sure I will miss being a member of the organization-–they do a lot of good things for business. But it is unconscionable that they would back a group like that and then not admit they have made a mistake.

GlobeSt.com: Have you gotten feedback since your announcement?

McNally: Yes. The responses have been overwhelmingly positive.

Author's note: The US Chamber of Commerce did not return a request for comment.