Externalities pose an enormous problem for the environment. Often, the people making decisions do not bear the full cost of their choices. And businesses tend to fight efforts to make them pay these...

Externalities pose an enormous problem for the environment. Often, the people making decisions do not bear the full cost of their choices. And businesses tend to fight efforts to make them pay these externalities. For example, CropLife America lobbied against a bill that would support research on the effects of chemicals on children. On the other hand, Nike resigned its seat on the board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in response to the Chamber’s active lobbying against legislation that would regulate greenhouse gases. But Nike decided to remain a member of the group. What ethical obligation do American companies have to support environmental legislation that may impose higher costs? Do they have an obligation to look out for the greater good, or should they focus on maximizing their shareholder returns? What Life Principles would you apply? What would Kant and Mill say?