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 90 members and has established itself as a key green voice in Congress.

In the 118th 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), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Katie Porter (D-CA). SEEC Chair Emeritus is Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA).

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 118th Congress, SEEC will continue to advocate for comprehensive congressional and executive climate and clean energy action that builds on the IRA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To focus the coalition's efforts this Congress, SEEC established five task forces focused on different key aspects of the climate crisis – Climate & Agriculture, Clean Energy Deployment, Nature & Oceans, Climate Jobs, and Climate & National Security. 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.