About Us
Mission Statement
Purpose of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition
- Advance policies that promote clean energy innovation and domestic manufacturing, develop renewable energy resources, and create family-sustaining clean jobs throughout the product supply-chain.
- Advance policies to address climate change, protect our nation's air, water, and natural environment, and promote environmental justice.
- Assist Members in advancing their legislation as it relates to the Coalition's purpose; create and assist Member initiatives in their Congressional Districts as those initiatives relate to Coalition purpose.
- Work with outreach organizations and individuals in the scientific, business, and advocacy communities to develop policies and positions, move the Coalition agenda through Congress, educate Coalition Members, and educate other Members of Congress.
History
The U.S. House of Representatives Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition (SEEC) was founded in January 2009, at the start of the 111th Congress, to be a focused, active, and effective advocate for policies for clean energy innovation and job creation, environmental protection, and policies that will address global climate change. Founded by Co-Chairs Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) with thirty-five charter members, SEEC has grown to 100 members and has established itself as a key voice in Congress.
In the 119th Congress, SEEC is Co-Chaired by Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Paul Tonko (D-NY). SEEC Vice Chairs are Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sean Casten (D-IL), Mike Levin (D-CA), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME).
SEEC remains committed to advancing policies that support clean energy innovation, address climate change, protect our natural environment, and promote environmental justice. In the 117th Congress, the coalition and its members were a driving force behind developing and passing the climate provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the largest investment in tackling climate change in U.S. history. When the prognosis for the reconciliation bill that became IRA looked dim, SEEC rallied 175 House Democrats in partnership with the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition to demonstrate House Democrat unity on the inclusion of the climate provisions, which ultimately did become law.
In the current 119th Congress, SEEC’s mission is clear. The American clean energy economy is already here and, now more than ever, Congress must protect and build upon our critical investments rather than backtrack and concede this burgeoning economic sector to our global competitors. We look forward to working with a broad coalition – here in Congress and with outside stakeholders - to advance policies that lower energy costs, promote innovation and domestic manufacturing, develop clean energy resources, create family-sustaining clean jobs, and protect our environment for generations to come.
To focus the coalition's efforts this Congress, SEEC established six task forces focused on different key aspects of securing a healthy and prosperous American future – Climate & Agriculture; Clean Energy Deployment; Climate Jobs; Lands, Waters, & Nature; Building Resilient Housing; and Innovation & Technology. SEEC continues to work with Committee partners, House Democratic Leadership, partners in the U.S. Senate, and allies outside of Congress to encourage proactive climate and sustainable environmental policies across the Congressional Agenda.
SEEC members remain dedicated to the coalition's mission and to advancing policies for a more prosperous, sustainable, and secure future for our country.