The firm "supports regulating greenhouse gas emissions, and it is frustrating to find the Chamber at odds with us in this effort," according to Apple vice president Catherine Novelli.

"We would prefer the chamber take a more progressive stance on this critical issue and play a constructive role in addressing the climate crisis," said the Apple letter dated October 5, published in US media.

"However, because the Chamber's position differs so sharply with Apple's, we have decided to resign our membership effective immediately," it added.

Apple is the fourth major US corporation to walk out of the Chamber of Commerce over its stance on climate change.

It followed similar moves by Pacific Gas and Electricity, PNM Resources and Exelon.

Nike, the sporting goods giant, dropped its responsibilities on the Chamber's board but remains a member.

"While we'll continue to represent the broad majority of our membership on this goal, we recognize that there are some companies who stand to gain more than others with the current options on the table," Eric Wohlschlegel, a council spokesman, said in an email.

Chamber president Thomas Donohue said in a statement September 29 that his organization backed US government legislation on fighting global warming but not legislation currently going through Congress.

"We believe that in order to succeed, any climate change response must include all major CO2 emitting economies, promote new technologies, emphasize efficiency, ensure affordable energy for families and businesses, and help create American jobs and return our economy to prosperity," Donohue said.

"The Congress should carefully deliberate on and enact legislation that meets these goals."

He argued that the US Congress should set climate change policy through legislation, and not have "the EPA apply existing environmental statutes that were not created to regulate greenhouse gas emissions."

"We oppose the Waxman-Markey bill because it is neither comprehensive nor international, and it falls short on moving renewable and alternative technologies into the marketplace and enabling our transition to a lower carbon future.

It would also impose carbon tariffs on goods imported into the United States, a move that would almost certainly spur retaliation from global trading partners," Donohue said.

The Chamber calls itself the world's largest business federation with three million members.

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