Harry C. Alford

Harry C. Alford (Deceased)

Credentials

  • Bachelor’s degree in Correctional Administration (School of Sociology, University of Wisconsin).1“Our Rotten Prison System” (PDF), African American Voice, October 2013 (P. 8). Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

Background

Harry C. Alford was the president and founder of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC). According to his biography at NBCC (PDF), Alford worked “in a series of key sales and executive positions at Fortune 100 companies such as Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and the Sara Lee Corporation.” He passed away on December 6, 2021.2Management Bios (PDF)”, National Black Chamber of Commerce, February, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. 3National Black Business Chamber Champion Harry C. Alford Dies,” Milwaukee Courier, December 11, 2021. Archived December 15, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/ku4Tt

Harry Alford testified before House committees, contending that regulations on the energy industry and limitations on offshore drilling would cause job losses and hikes in electricity prices. NBCC positions minorities at odds with the EPA, and claims that regulations would cause undue harm to these groups.

Alford was also a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and chair of their Government Oversight and Consumer Affairs Committee4Board of Directors,” U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Archived August 16, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/SZjjk. The U.S. Chamber has declared it will “Resist ill-conceived legislation” that would slow the development of “affordable, innovative energy technologies.”5Climate Change,” U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Archived February 6, 2013. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

A September 2015 profile by The Washington Post described Alford as “a veteran of multiple campaigns to quash regulations intended to improve air quality or fight climate change.” Describing Alford’s fight against limits on ozone and other regulations, the post writes that his message “is nearly identical to the one being broadcast widely by the rules’ opponents from business and industry.”6Joby Warrick. “In smog battle, industry gets help from unlikely source: black business group,” The Washington Post, September 28, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Pfa2P

NBCC Funding

The National Black Chamber of Commerce has received over $1,000,000 from ExxonMobil since 1998.7ExxonSecrets Factsheet: National Black Chamber of Commerce. Accessed August 16, 2016.

Harry Alford has been unapologetic about the group’s funding, with the following statement published in an NBCC article titled “Fossil Fuels and African Americans – It’s Family!” (emphasis added):8“’Fossil Fuels and African Americans – It’s Family!’ National Black Chamber of Commerce. Archived July 31, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fXC1G

“Recently, a writer from USA Today wanted to know if the National Black Chamber of Commerce receives money from fossil fuel companies (coal, oil, natural gas, petrochemicals, etc.). That is a ‘no brainer’. Of course we do and it is only natural. The legacy of Blacks in this nation has been tied to the miraculous history of fossil fuel and the economic growth in communities because of the successful harvest of fossil fuels. Consistent with the emergence of the Industrial Revolution and the availability of the Homestead Act for freed slaves, fossil fuels have been our economic friend.”9“’Fossil Fuels and African Americans – It’s Family!’ National Black Chamber of Commerce. Archived July 31, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fXC1G

Stance on Climate Change

“Certainly the climate changes as time goes on – sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. So far, there is no pattern that seems to be very detrimental to our earth. There is an ebb and flow and it takes time to see any significant detrimental trend. It is like Stevie Wonder wrote, ‘When you believe in things you don’t understand; you suffer. Superstition ain’t the way’.” – Harry Alford, co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce.10Environmental Racism, Global Warming and Climate Change,” National Black Chamber of Commerce. Archived June 30, 2015.

Key Quotes

Undated

Harry Alford offered a statement of support for the Kemper Power Plant in Kemper County Mississippi, where he also promotes fracking:

“These are very exciting times for the fuel industry in America. We are at the point of being totally oil independent. We are finding new reserves in various parts of our great nation. Natural gas is now abundant thanks to a new process known as Fracturing or Fracking. In fact, we were once importers of natural gas but now, thanks to Fracking, we are exporting it for attractive profits. No longer do we have to rely on nations that don’t particularly like us for our energy needs. God blesses the child who has his own and we are certainly blessed.”11About The National Black Chamber of Commerce,” Kemperproject.org. Archived June 30, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/mcTZ8

October 2016

Writing at at the Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) website, Alford declares:

“Clearly, there can be no America without the utilization of coal.”12“Harry Alford: An Epiphany – Sweet Home Alabama,” PACE, October 25, 2016. Archived January 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/9rbOB

“Coal is a vital component to our infrastructure and will remain a vital resource. God put it here for us to use and for hundreds of years in the future we will continue to produce with improvements and environmentally safe methods.”13“Harry Alford: An Epiphany – Sweet Home Alabama,” PACE, October 25, 2016. Archived January 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/9rbOB

November 2015

In an article in The Philidelphia Tribune, Alford claims that both the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration reported that “there has been no global warming detected for the last 18 years”:

“No global warming, but millions of jobs have been erased through adverse regulations in the name of addressing the global warming issue. Billions of dollars, mostly tax dollars, have been spent trying to address the same ‘ghost.’ Many low-income and minority communities have greatly suffered from these onerous regulations that seem to be made in vain.

“The Sierra Club and similar organizations are clinging to the global warming myth. In fact, they can be fanatical about it. They are funded by billionaires who try to manipulate our economic status and disrupt the common peace. They have even funded a cadre of “goons” who will verbally and sometimes physically attack any person or group that questions the global warming issue.

“Believe me, I have personally experienced these nuts, and the National Black Chamber of Commerce has been slandered for its energy positions. It appears that we are right and they are wrong. Let the whole world know about it.”14Harry C. Alford. “Global warming proponents cling to costly farce,” The Philadelphia Tribune, November 4, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

Notably, a June 2015 study (also by the NOAA) states that “the rate of global warming during the last 15 years has been as fast as or faster than that seen during the latter half of the 20th Century.” According to the NOAA summary, “The study refutes the notion that there has been a slowdown or ‘hiatus’ in the rate of global warming in recent years.”15Science publishes new NOAA analysis: Data show no recent slowdown in global warming,” NOAA, June 4, 2015. Archived August 18, 2016. Archive.is URL:https://archive.is/LAmwA

October 2015

Harry Alford testified on “how overregulation harms minorities” (PDF) at a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing:

“[T]he continuous stream of unreasonable and overreaching regulations that have come out of the federal government over the last few years has led to the denial of countless opportunities for minorities.”16“Opportunity Denied: How Overregulation Harms Minorities” (PDF – Testimony), October 1, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

“[T]he Clean Power Plan in particular seems poised to escalate energy costs for Blacks and Hispanics in the United States, including individuals, families and minority-owned businesses.”17“Opportunity Denied: How Overregulation Harms Minorities” (PDF – Testimony), October 1, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

September 2015

Evlondo Cooper with the Checks and Balances Project tried to interview Harry Alford regarding Coal pollution’s health impacts, but was refused a response.18Evlondo Cooper interviews Harry Alford,” The Washington Post, September 28, 2015.

“You are about the dumbest ass I’ve ever met in my life,” Alford said. “You’ve come to Columbus to harass me.”

February 2013

Harry Alford spoke out against President Barack Obama’s call for more gun control, alongside Niger Innis of the Congress of Racial Equality:

“The National Rifle Association was started, founded by religious leaders who wanted to protect free slaves from the Ku Klux Klan. They would raise money, buy arms, show the free slaves how to use those arms and protect their families. God bless you. Many of us probably wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the NRA.”19Nicholas Ballasy. “Black conservatives: Gun control has ‘racist’ roots [VIDEO],” The Daily Caller, February 22, 2013. Archived August 16, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/zbOtx

July 2009

Harry Alford testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works opposing climate change reglations:

“The bottom line is this: any climate legislation that fails to meaningfully reduce the human impact on the climate or does so in an economically unsustainable manner, can’t be effective. Under the House bill, American consumers and businesses would take on a heavy burden. This burden would fall at exactly the wrong time. “

”[…] I’m not a climate change expert, but I have to believe that there are better options than the one currently on the table.”20Senate Testimony, July 16, 2009,” National Black Chamber of Commerce. Archived August 16, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Or3H9

Key Deeds

April 6, 2020

Harry Alford, representing NBCC, is signatory to an American Energy Alliance letter to President Donald Trump supporting the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule which would scrap federal fuel economy mandates under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program.21CAFE-Coaliton-to-Trump-April-2020-9 (PDF)American Energy Alliance.

Describing CAFE, the letter contends: “Those families and individuals who prefer or need trucks, SUVs, and crossovers pay more to subsidize those who buy smaller vehicles or electric vehicles under the existing mandate. This significant, needless, and unjust cost is a very real regressive tax on American families that has made our country worse off.”22CAFE-Coaliton-to-Trump-April-2020-9 (PDF)American Energy Alliance.

July 11, 2019

Harry Alford, representing National Black Chamber of Commerce, was a signatory to an American Energy Alliance open letter to President Trump, congratulating him for rolling back Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and urging him not to cut a deal with California to allow them to operate with separate regulations.23“Dear Mr. President:” (PDF)American Energy Alliance, July 11, 2019. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

“Your efforts to reform this mandate will save consumers money, preserve their choices, and ensure that the federal government, and not a single state, sets national policy,” the letter reads24.“Dear Mr. President:” (PDF)American Energy Alliance, July 11, 2019. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

“The existing mandate makes cars more expensive. … In short, because of the mandate, those consumers who prefer trucks, SUVs, or crossovers pay more to subsidize those who buy smaller vehicles or electric vehicles.”25“Dear Mr. President:” (PDF)American Energy Alliance, July 11, 2019. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

May 9, 2019

Harry C. Alford, representing the National Black Chamber of Commerce, signed on to an open letter organized by the American Energy Alliance designed to fight against an electric vehicle tax credit.26Dear Senator Grassley, Senator Wyden, Representative Neal and Representative Brady:” May 9, 2019. Retrieved from The Daily Caller.

“The American Energy Alliance has organized a coalition to proclaim in one unified voice that there should be no expansion of the misguided electric vehicle tax credit,” Thomas Pyle wrote in a statement, quoted at The Daily Caller. There is no question that the electric vehicle tax credit distorts the auto market to no gain.”27Christ White. “CONSERVATIVES WARN LAWMAKERS: TESLA’S TAX CREDITS ‘OVERWHELMINGLY BENEFIT THE RICH’,”The Daily Caller, May 9, 2019. Archived May 9, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/qzvF3

According to Pyle and others who signed the letter, electric vehicle tax credits “overwhelmingly benefit the rich.” DeSmog’s Koch vs. Clean project has systematically debunked this, among other well-rehearsed talking points and misinformation put forward by industry about electric vehicles.28Christ White. “CONSERVATIVES WARN LAWMAKERS: TESLA’S TAX CREDITS ‘OVERWHELMINGLY BENEFIT THE RICH’,”The Daily Caller, May 9, 2019. Archived May 9, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/qzvF3

The letter cites research by the Pacific Research Institute (PRI), a group that has received over $600,000 from ExxonMobil and millions from “dark money” groups DonorsTrust and Donors Capital Fund.

February 12, 2018

Harry Alford was a signatory to an open letter organized by Americans for Prosperity, representing the NBCC. ATR was one of several organizations to join Americans for Prosperity (AfP) in a coalition opposing a federal gas tax increase.29Americans For Prosperity Leads Coalition Against Gas Tax Hike,” Americans for Prosperity, February 12, 2018. Archived February 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/vNQMN

“Raising the gas tax is a bad idea. It will make the burden of government on families and businesses heavier,” the coalition’s open letter read.30Americans For Prosperity Leads Coalition Against Gas Tax Hike,” Americans for Prosperity, February 12, 2018. Archived February 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/vNQMN

Signatories include:31“Dear Representative:” (PDF), Americans for Prosperity, February 12, 2018.

NameTitleCompany
Brent Wm. GardnerChief Government Affairs OfficerAmer
Michael A. NeedhamCEOHeritage Action for America
Grover NorquistPresidentAmericans for Tax Reform
David McIntoshPresidentClub for Growth
Nathan NascimentoExecutive Vice PresidentFreedom Partners Chamber of Commerce
Mark ScribnerSenior FellowCompetitive Enterprise Institute
Jason PyeVice President of Legislative AffairsFreedomWorks
Tom SchatzPresidentCitizens Against Government Waste
Pete SeppPresidentNational Taxpayers Union
Phil KerpenPresidentAmerican Commitment
Mario H. LopezPresidentHispanic Leadership Fund
Daniel GarzaPresidentThe Libre Initiative
Carrie L. LukasPresidentIndependent Women’s Forum
Heather R. HigginsPresident and CEOIndependent Women’s Voice
Harry C. AlfordPresident and CEONational Black Chamber of Commerce
Jeffrey MazellaPresidentCenter for Individual Freedom
Donald BrysonPresidentCivitas Action
David BarnesPolicy DirectorGeneration Opportunity
Norm SingletonPresidentCampaign for Liberty
Judson PhillipsFounderTea Party Nation
Seton MotleyPresidentLess Government
Kim Crockett, Esq.Vice President, Senior Fellow and General CounselCenter of the American Experiment
Tom Brinkman, Jr.ChairmanCoalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes (COAST)
Matthew KandrachPresidentConsumer Action for a Strong Economy (CASE)
Katie McAulliffeExecutive DirectorDigital Liberty
Brett HealyPresidentJohn K. MacIver Institute
Sean NoblePresidentAmerican Encore
Annette MeeksCEOFreedom Foundation of Minnesota
Andrew F. QuinlanPresidentCenter for Freedom and Prosperity

September 2017

A Bloomberg article on Harry Alford and the National Black Chamber of Commerce illustrates a connection between NBCC, Alford, and DCI Group LLC. DCI Group is a lobbying and PR firm, which has historically worked with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco and was behind the now-defunct Tech Central Station (TCS), a website that worked as a forum for climate change skeptics and received direct funding from ExxonMobil for “climate change support.” Bloomberg noted that many groups that benefited from the NBCC’s actions have also hired DCI, donated money to NBCC, or both. Examples included ExxonMobil, Penn National Gaming, and numerous others.32Zachary R. Mider. “When Harry Alford Speaks Up, a Washington Firm’s Clients Gain,” Bloomberg, September 14, 2017. Archived September 19, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/IuiRd 33Kevin Grandia. “ABC News: Gore spoof video linked to Republican/Exxon Spinster,” DeSmog, August 4, 2006.

Bloomberg offered a summary chart of causes backed by the NBCC that also benefited large companies and investors, reproduced below:34Zachary R. Mider. “When Harry Alford Speaks Up, a Washington Firm’s Clients Gain,” Bloomberg, September 14, 2017. Archived September 19, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/IuiRd

NBCC ACTIONBENEFICIARYHIRED DCIDONATED TO NBCC
Opposed Puerto Rico bankruptcy billInvestors in Puerto Rico bondsY
Criticized government handling of Fannie MaeInvestors in Fannie Mae sharesY
Opposed limits on swipe feesVisa Y
Opposed pollution regulationsExxon MobilYY
Bought ad supporting phosphate mineMosaic
Backed Samsung at Int’l Trade CommissionSamsung in dispute with AppleY
Advocated for Argentine bondholdersInvestors in Argentine bondsY
Supported solar measure backed by utilitiesGulf Power Y
Opposed Anna Nicole Smith’s claim on fortuneHeirs of billionaire J. Howard Marshall IIY
Opposed casino expansion in MarylandPenn National GamingYY
Fought “gainful employment” ruleFor-profit college operator EDMCYY
Defended rum tariff rules in U.S. Virgin IslandsFortune Brands and Diageo

January 12, 2017

Harry Alford was a signatory to a January 12, 2017 official letter of support (PDF) for Scott Pruitt, in which numerous groups, including The Heartland Institute, American Energy Alliance (AEA), and others, declared that the Senate should “swiftly approve his nomination” for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Other signatories of the letter included:35“Dear Senators,” (PDF)Competitive Enterprise Institute, January 12, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

October 25, 2016

Harry C. Alford writes that he took part in a tour of coal mines in Alabama sponsored by the energy group PACE (Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy), where he has held a board seat since 2015 according to the group’s available 990 tax forms.36“Harry Alford: An Epiphany – Sweet Home Alabama,” PACE, October 25, 2016. Archived January 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/9rbOB 372015 990 Tax Form for Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy, Inc. (EIN-26-4374127). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. 38Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy,” Energy and Policy InstituteArchived January 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fFopF

“Clearly, there can be no America without the utilization of coal,” Alford writes at the PACE website (energyfairness.org).

“Coal is a vital component to our infrastructure and will remain a vital resource. God put it here for us to use and for hundreds of years in the future we will continue to produce with improvements and environmentally safe methods.”

The Energy and Policy Institute profiles PACE as a “anti-clean energy front group” incorporated by William D. Lineberry, an attorney with Balch & Bingham, a firm that lobbies on behalf of Southern Company and its Alabama Power subsidiary.39Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy,” Energy and Policy InstituteArchived January 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fFopF

PACE is an “official partner” with the Consumer Energy Alliance, an advocacy group that has attached alternative fuels. In addition to the Consumer Energy Alliance, PACE lists the following fossil fuel interests as official partners:40Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy,” Energy and Policy InstituteArchived January 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fFopF

  • Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives
  • Empower Consumers
  • Tennessee Mining Association
  • The National Federation of Independent Business

November 23, 2015

Alford published an article at The Hill titled “EDMC settlements chart new direction for private-sector education.” HuffPost reported that the article bore signs that it had actually been authored by EDMC (Education Management Corp.) and Alford had put his name on the byline.41Harry C. Alford. “EDMC settlements chart new direction for private-sector education,” The Hill, Archived November 24, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/61rjG 42Jason Linkins. “For-Profit Education Grift Mill Submits Op-Ed Under Someone Else’s Byline,” HuffPost, December 1, 2015. Archived September 20, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/yzQtH

The original article contained the following paragraph (emphasis added), which appears to have been accidentally left in by the editor:43Harry C. Alford. “EDMC settlements chart new direction for private-sector education,” The Hill, Archived November 24, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/61rjG

“As an observer with a rooting interest in providing students with an education that enables jobs that change lives (or from an employer perspective, if that fits the writer), it makes much more sense to allow the private-sector institutions to do their good work, making corrections where necessary and building on the innovation and nimbleness that is characteristic of the sector.”44Harry C. Alford. “EDMC settlements chart new direction for private-sector education,” The Hill, Archived November 24, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/61rjG

November 4, 2015

The National Black Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO Harry Alford published an article in the Philadelphia Tribune where he describes global warming as a “costly farce.”45Harry C. Alford. “Global warming proponents cling to costly farce,” The Philadelphia Tribune, November 4, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“[The NOAA and NASA ]have reported that there has been no global warming detected for the last 18 years. That is over 216 months in a row that there has been no detected global warming. At the same time, sea ice in Antarctica is building up at record levels,” Alford writes.“46Harry C. Alford. “Global warming proponents cling to costly farce,” The Philadelphia Tribune, November 4, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“No global warming, but millions of jobs have been erased through adverse regulations in the name of addressing the global warming issue. Billions of dollars, mostly tax dollars, have been spent trying to address the same ‘ghost.’ Many low-income and minority communities have greatly suffered from these onerous regulations that seem to be made in vain.”47Harry C. Alford. “Global warming proponents cling to costly farce,” The Philadelphia Tribune, November 4, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

Alford says that the “the National Black Chamber of Commerce has been slandered for its energy positions,” but claims that “we are right and they are wrong.”48Harry C. Alford. “Global warming proponents cling to costly farce,” The Philadelphia Tribune, November 4, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

However, climate scientists provide an explanation for this supposed hiatus in global warming. According to Michael Mann at Penn State University, “There certainly has not been a hiatus in global warming — global warming hasn’t stopped, even though you still hear those contrarian talking points.”49Graham Readfearn. “Global warming hiatus explained and it’s not good news,” ABCEnvironment, April 8, 2015. Archived March 22, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/wA3yg

An 2015 analysis by US government scientists in the journal Nature and Climate Change suggested that if temporary natural fluctuations were ignored then world was probably now warming at a rate of about 0.2°C per decade — higher than the IPCC’s longer-term average.50Near-term acceleration in the rate of temperature change,” Nature Climate Change, 333–336 (2015).

October 6, 2015

Harry Alford testified on “how overregulation harms minorities” (PDF) at a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing.51“Opportunity Denied: How Overregulation Harms Minorities” (PDF – Testimony), October 1, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

According to Alford, “the continuous stream of unreasonable and overreaching regulations that have come out of the federal government over the last few years has led to the denial of countless opportunities for minorities.”52“Opportunity Denied: How Overregulation Harms Minorities” (PDF – Testimony), October 1, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

The first set of regulations that Alford accuses is the Clean Power Plan (CPP). He contends: “[T]he Clean Power Plan in particular seems poised to escalate energy costs for Blacks and Hispanics in the United States, including individuals, families and minority-owned businesses.”53“Opportunity Denied: How Overregulation Harms Minorities” (PDF – Testimony), October 1, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

He points to a June, 2015 NBCC study that suggested the CPP would “ impose severe and disproportionate economic burdens on poor families, especially minorities.” Alford writes how The NBCC study found “EPA’s rule increases Black poverty by 23% and Hispanic poverty by 26%.”54“Opportunity Denied: How Overregulation Harms Minorities” (PDF – Testimony), October 1, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

In addition to the CPP, Alford also points to the National Ozone Air Quality Standard as a rule that would “disproportionately affect America’s urban, low-income and minority families.”55“Opportunity Denied: How Overregulation Harms Minorities” (PDF – Testimony), October 1, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

September 2, 2015

Harry Alford’s NBCC and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce jointly hosted a symposium opposing the EPA Ozone Rule, describing it as devastating to the Pennysylvania Economy.56(Press Release). “Chambers of Commerce: EPA Ozone Rule Will Be Devastating to Pennsylvania Economy,” PR Newswire, September 2, 2015. Archived August 16, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/jhZ5g

“As world markets shuttered amidst instability in China, the President reminded us that the American economy is resilient and the backbone of the global market. Unfortunately, the EPA’s proposed ozone rule threatens that resiliency, found in our urban centers like Pittsburgh, by bringing the economic recovery to a halt,” Harry C. Alford said. “Today’s forum was an opportunity for local business owners and elected officials to discuss the effects of this regulation and how to continue our fight to keep EPA’s assault at bay.”57(Press Release). “Chambers of Commerce: EPA Ozone Rule Will Be Devastating to Pennsylvania Economy,” PR Newswire, September 2, 2015. Archived August 16, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/jhZ5g

Other contributors at the event included:

  • State Rep. Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny)
  • Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
  • Robert Agbede, president of Chester Engineers;
  • Howard Feldman, director at the American Petroleum Institute
  • Mark Kempic, president of Columbia Gas
  • Morgan O’Brien, president of Peoples Natural Gas

June 23, 2015

Harry Alford testified at the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee opposing the EPA’s Clean Power Plan.58Ali Meyer. “Black Chamber of Commerce: EPA Clean Air Plan Will Increase Black Poverty 23%, Strip 7,000,000 Black Jobs,” CNSnews.com, June 24, 2015. Archived July 31, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/l6bFB

With reference to a NBCC study, Alford said that “The study finds that the Clean Power Plan will inflict severe and disproportionate economic burdens on poor families, especially minorities.” He continued, saying “The EPA’s proposed regulation for GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions from existing power plants is a slap in the face to poor and minority families.”59Ali Meyer. “Black Chamber of Commerce: EPA Clean Air Plan Will Increase Black Poverty 23%, Strip 7,000,000 Black Jobs,” CNSnews.com, June 24, 2015. Archived July 31, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/l6bFB

Video below.

Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) rebutted, saying that states who have taken action on climate change have seen their economies grow:

“Many states, such as New York and Delaware, have already taken action to reduce the largest emitter of carbon pollution – power plant emissions,” Carper said. “As we will hear today, the economies of these states continue to grow at a faster rate than the states that have yet to put climate regulations in place. However, we need all states to do their fair share to protect the air we breathe and stem the tide of climate change. The EPA’s Clean Power Plan attempts to do just that.”60Ali Meyer. “Black Chamber of Commerce: EPA Clean Air Plan Will Increase Black Poverty 23%, Strip 7,000,000 Black Jobs,” CNSnews.com, June 24, 2015. Archived July 31, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/l6bFB

June 2015

Media Matters reports that the National Black Chamber of Commerce published at least seven Op-Eds by Harry Alford attacking the EPA’s clean power plan.61Denise Robbins and Andrew Seifter. “National Black Chamber Of Commerce Joins Oil Industry’s Op-Ed Campaign Against EPA Climate Plan,” Media Matters, June 26, 2016. Archived March 22, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/O17Fr

“Like Americans for Prosperity, the Beacon Hill Institute, and the State Policy Network before it, the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) is the latest oil industry front group to run a deceptive op-ed campaign against the EPA’s climate change plan, with NBCC president Harry C. Alford alleging in newspapers across the country that the Clean Power Plan will impose ‘economic hardship’ on blacks and Hispanics,” Denise Robbins and Andrew Seifter write at Media Matters.62Denise Robbins and Andrew Seifter. “National Black Chamber Of Commerce Joins Oil Industry’s Op-Ed Campaign Against EPA Climate Plan,” Media Matters, June 26, 2016. Archived March 22, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/O17Fr

Articles published by the NBCC include (articles on file at DeSmog):

February 10, 2011

Harry C. Alford testified on behalf of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), opposing the Gulph moratorium which prevented energy companies from purchasing offshore drilling leases after the the Gulf Oil Spill.63Testimony of Harry C. Alford on Behalf of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform” (PDF), National Black Chamber of Commerce, February 10, 2011. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

“Now is the time to dust ourselves off and get back to work,” Alford’s testimony reads. “We must learn from this incident and not be afraid to move forward with domestic energy production.”64Testimony of Harry C. Alford on Behalf of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform” (PDF), National Black Chamber of Commerce, February 10, 2011. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

Alford also criticizes the EPA, claiming it “has gone beyond the intended scope of their authority and implemented far reaching policies by invoking the Clean Air Act (CAA) to defend their actions.”65Testimony of Harry C. Alford on Behalf of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform” (PDF), National Black Chamber of Commerce, February 10, 2011. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

While Alford says that “Reducing emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change is a very real challenge for the U.S. and the global community,” he goes on to state that current regulations on businesses are “unsustainable.” He also claims that “nearly 800,000 jobs are at risk due to EPA greenhouse gas proposals” — a statistic taken from an Environment and Public Works Report, a Senate Committee chaired by prominent climate change denier James Inhofe.66Testimony of Harry C. Alford on Behalf of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform” (PDF), National Black Chamber of Commerce, February 10, 2011. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

February 9, 2011

Alford was a witness at a Subcommittee on Energy and Power hearing on “H.R. 910,” which would amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the EPA from regulating carbon emissions.67Feb. 9, 2011 – A Hearing on ‘H.R. 910’,” YouTube video uploaded by user “EnergyCommerce”, July 20, 2011. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

Witnesses included:

NamePositionAffiliation
Greg AbbottAttorney GeneralState of Texas
Harry C. AlfordPresident & CEONational Black Chamber of Commerce
Betsy BlaisdellSenior ManagerTimberland Company
Lonnie N. CarterPresident & CEOSantee Cooper
Steve CousinsVice PresidentLions Oil Company
Peter S. GlaserPartnerTroutman Sanders LLP
Lynn GoldmanMDAmerican Public Health Association
Fred T. HarnackGeneral Manager, Environmental AffairsUS Steel Corporation
James InhofeUnited States SenatorState of Oklahoma
Lisa JacksonAdministratorEnvironmental Protection Agency
Philip NelsonPresidentIllinois Farm Bureau
James PearceDirector of ManufacturingFMC Corporation
Steven RowlanGeneral ManagerEnvironmental Affairs for Nucor Corporation
Margo ThorningSenior Vice President and Chief EconomistAmerican Council for Capital Formation

July 16, 2009

Harry Alford testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works opposing climate change reglations. He points to a study by the National Black Chamber of Commerce, claiming “ the current legislation out of the U.S. House of Representatives will negatively impact the most vulnerable of our society.”68Senate Testimony, July 16, 2009,” National Black Chamber of Commerce. Archived August 16, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Or3H9

“The bottom line is this: any climate legislation that fails to meaningfully reduce the human impact on the climate or does so in an economically unsustainable manner, can’t be effective,” Alford said. “Under the House bill, American consumers and businesses would take on a heavy burden. This burden would fall at exactly the wrong time.”69Senate Testimony, July 16, 2009,” National Black Chamber of Commerce. Archived August 16, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Or3H9

”[…] I’m not a climate change expert, but I have to believe that there are better options than the one currently on the table.”

During the hearing, Alford had a heated exchange with Chairwoman Senator Boxer regarding global warming job losses (video below).70National Black Chamber of Commerce President Takes on Chairman Boxer Over Global Warming Job Losses,” YouTube Video uploaded by user Senator Jim Inhofe. July 16, 2009.

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