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by Jeff Moad, MA Editorial Staff   | Abstract: | James W. Owens has transformed Caterpillar into a model of manufacturing sustainability, despite harsh criticism from conservative groups. |
You wouldn't expect a CEO whose company depends on the worldwide expansion of the mining and energy industries to stake out a leadership position on sustainable manufacturing. Neither did the 82 representatives of mostly conservative think tanks and lobbying groups who in June 2007 signed a sternly worded letter scolding James W. Owens, CEO of Caterpillar Inc., after his company became one the first corporate members of the high-profile United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP).
"It's outrageous that a CEO would harm his key customers without doing any due diligence to determine the impact on his customers and shareholders," asserted the widely read letter that, among other things, criticized USCAP and Caterpillar for their support of cap-and-trade approaches to reducing carbon emissions.
Owens, however, has remained firm, refusing calls for Caterpillar to quit the USCAP, which also includes environmental groups such as the National Resources Defense Council and the Nature Conservancy.
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