Zachary Roth March 2, 2010, 5:40 PM

Microsoft is distancing itself from the Chamber of Commerce’s controversial opposition to progress on climate change.

The software company today posted the following statement on its “environmental sustainability” blog:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has never spoken for nor done work on behalf of Microsoft regarding climate change legislation, and we have not participated in the Chamber’s climate initiatives. Microsoft has stated that climate change is a serious issue that demands immediate, worldwide attention and we are acting accordingly. We are pursuing strategies and taking actions that are consistent with a strong commitment to reducing our own impact as well as the impact of our products. In addition, we have adopted a broad policy statement on climate change that expresses support for government action to create market-based mechanisms to address climate change. And, we believe the greatest value Microsoft brings to the fight against climate change is our expertise on the role software and technology can play in reducing carbon emissions. To this end, Microsoft is working ranging from the Digital Energy Solutions Campaign to the World Wildlife Fund to the European Environmental Agency to advance public policies that promote the use of ICT solutions to advance energy efficiency, spur innovation and economic opportunity, and contribute to practical strategies for mitigating climate change.

In a recent speech, Bill Gates unveiled a major commitment to fighting climate change and developing clean energy alternatives.

As we’ve reported, several companies — including Microsoft’s rival, Apple, and California energy giant PG&E — have in recent months left the Chamber over its climate-change stance.

Apple, Bill Gates, Chamber of Commerce, Global Warming, PG&E