Some of the nation's largest business groups have stood in the way of adopting "progressive" policies to combat climate change, according to a new review of political activity by the corporate sector.

The U.K.-based nonprofit InfluenceMap ranked corporations and trade associations on their influence on climate policy in various countries. The ranking system was developed with input from the Union of Concerned Scientists, an advocacy group that supports policies to mitigate climate change.

InfluenceMap graded different organizations from A to F, with A rankings going to groups the nonprofit said supported policies to fight climate change and F going to those opposing such policies. Of the eight business groups rated in North America, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers received the highest grade with a C-.

In a summary, the report's authors noted the Auto Alliance has supported better fuel economy and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. However, they noted that the association's CEO, Mitch Bainwol, has advocated for allowing safety improvements in vehicles to count toward meeting federal emission standards, which InfluenceMap believes weakens the standards.

The report's authors were less kind to other groups examined. The American Chemistry Council received a D-. Business Roundtable got an E while the U.S. Chamber of Commerce got an E-. The International Air Transport Association, National Association of Manufacturers, American Petroleum Institute and American Legislative Exchange Council all received an F. http://bit.ly/1UYJY8v

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