Skip to main content

RELEASE: S.E.E.C Leaders Praise Green Recovery Package, Hailed As a 'Bold Step in the Right Direction'

February 17, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC -- Signed today by President Barack Obama, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act marks the start of a clean energy revolution in America -- thanks in part to hard work by the new Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (S.E.E.C.), a group of forty members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are committed to promoting clean energy technology innovation, arresting global warming and protecting our nation’s clean air, water and natural environment.

Led by co-chairs Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) and Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), S.E.E.C. fought to ensure that the economic stimulus package would make a substantial down payment on a clean energy economy, while quickly producing and saving quality, high-paying American jobs. Many S.E.E.C. priorities appeared first in the House version of the bill and emerged intact from review in the Senate and conference negotiations.

“I’m proud to say the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a bold step in the right direction. With approximately $90 billion invested in clean energy or energy-reducing measures, this bill launches the New Apollo Energy Project, for which I have advocated since 2001,” said Inslee, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “This is an important time to be working on these issues in Congress and we are lucky to have House leadership that understands the importance of a forward-thinking energy policy. After the success these recent efforts, I can only imagine what great things the members of S.E.E.C. will accomplish together in the future.”

“In our first major effort, the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition we founded successfully fought for more than $90 billion in investments and tax incentives for green projects. Our efforts will create new green jobs across the country and generate demand for advanced energy technologies,” said Israel, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water. “I look forward to continuing our efforts to transform the economy and end our dependence on foreign oil.”

The bill included approximately $70 billion in direct investments and $20 billion in tax incentives for measures that will spur investments in renewable energy technologies and save consumers money through energy efficiency, transit, smart grid and other programs.

Investments in green technology are some of the most effective ways to put Americans back to work and build the economy of the future. A recent analysis of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act concluded that the clean energy provisions would create 459,000 jobs by the end of 2010. These investments will drastically reduce America’s energy costs and carbon emissions and put the country on a new path toward energy independence and economic security.

S.E.E.C. advocated for federal support for targeted programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program to spur job creation immediately and improve energy efficiency in households. S.E.E.C. members pushed for investments in the construction of high-speed rail transit to expand transportation options in communities across the country.

As well, S.E.E.C. asked for funding for programs to spur investments in renewable energy, such as the loan guarantee program for investments in Smart Grid technology and improved transmission capacity. Such technology would allow for more efficient transmission, distribution, and production of electricity throughout the country.

S.E.E.C. members worked to ensure that the renewable energy technology loan guarantee and direct grant program provided parity to solar technologies.

Issues: