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Statement on President’s State of the Union Address

February 12, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following the President’s State of the Union address, members of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) released the following statement:

“We are pleased and further encouraged that the President continues to push for action to address our changing climate. The threat is real, evidenced by the raging storms, unruly wildfires, and persistent droughts that have plagued our country in recent years. Together, the President and Congress must rise to the challenge and move on solutions to address this pressing issue. This is the moment for action. The choices we make now, whether we choose to act or choose to turn a blind eye, will define our mutual legacy for generations to come.

“As one way to slow these extreme weather events and to spur greater economic growth, we echo the President’s call to push forward with clean solutions for America’s energy needs. Our domestic clean energy sector has grown at a rate of 8.3 percent, and we should make every effort to capitalize on this by both increasing the number of green jobs and diversifying our economy to embrace this growing sector. We also need to be wise stewards of taxpayer dollars. One way to accomplish this is by doing as members of our Coalition have long advocated: end the billions of dollars in taxpayer handouts for Big Oil, Big Gas, and Big Coal.

“SEEC Members look forward to working with the President, his Administration, and our colleagues in Congress on the various ideas and proposals outlined during the State of the Union address this evening.”.”