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Apple takes on US government over clean power, because China

Apple says repealing the plan would give Chinese competitors a clear edge.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
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Apple said Friday it's filed a statement objecting to the Environmental Protection Agency's repeal of the Clean Power Plan. 

apple-store-chicago-9718

Apple's retail stores could benefit from clean energy.

 James Martin/CNET

The company said it's invested heavily in renewable energy, which puts the tech juggernaut -- and the US -- in a better position to compete with China in clean energy. Scuttling the Clean Power Plan would prevent the US from asserting itself as a global leader in the profitable industry. China currently leads in clean energy investments. 

The iPhone maker also pointed out that clean energy can help stabilize otherwise fluctuating fuel prices. Apple was the first company to publicly oppose the EPA's proposed repeal ahead of the April 26 deadline for comments.

Apple and its CEO, Tim Cook, are known for publicly making a stand about current and political events. Cook was one of 100 CEOs who called to extend the deadline for DACA "dreamers." Most recently, he criticized Facebook for not being able to regulate itself in its current privacy scandal. 

President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March 2017 to review the Clean Power Plan with an eye toward repealing it. First proposed in 2014 and revealed by the Obama administration in 2015, the Clean Power Plan had the goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent by 2030.