SEEC Innovation and Technology Task Force Champions Policy Priorities to Deploy the Next Generation of Clean Technologies
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Innovation and Technology Task Force Co-Chairs, Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) and Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), outlined guiding principles and federal policy priorities to build and deploy the next generation of clean technologies that can transform global systems and reinforce American leadership for innovative climate solutions.
“The impacts of climate change are intensifying and being felt by communities across the country. We urgently need to support innovation to help tackle our climate crisis, increase American energy independence, make our grid more reliable and efficient, and reduce costs for consumers. The U.S. has the potential to lead the clean energy economy, but we can’t do that without reliable federal investment in innovation and manufacturing,” said Congressman Mullin. “Our agenda focuses on bridging this gap, so we can turn promising ideas into real climate solutions. As Co-Chair of the Innovation and Technology Task Force, I’m looking forward to advancing this agenda to tackle the climate crisis while strengthening our economy.”
“Across the country, Americans are feeling the effects of climate change — from longer wildfire seasons to extreme weather events and rising energy costs. These are difficult challenges, but they also provide opportunities," said Congresswoman Salinas. "Our nation has a long history of stepping up to meet challenging moments with innovation and grit. Now is our chance to lead the world in clean technology, which will not only tackle climate change but also drive our economy for decades to come. As Co-Chair of the Innovation and Technology Task Force, I’m excited to put in the work to take advantage of these opportunities.”
The principles document can be found here.
Background
In the 119th Congress, the SEEC Innovation and Technology Task Force is focused on advancing the research, development, and deployment of cutting-edge technologies aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges in our energy system and the environment. Every major form of energy deployed in the U.S. has been borne out of significant federal investment.
America has always excelled at invention and early innovation, but too many breakthroughs stall before reaching commercial scale. The U.S. has shown time and again its power to invent, but the challenge of the 21st century is scaling those inventions at home, rather than ceding that opportunity to foreign competitors. The Task Force principles document outlined the following federal policy priorities to close that gap.
- Build a federal innovation system that gets clean technology to market
- Provide stability to attract private investment
- Scale next-generation technologies with federal investment
- Amplify the role of federal labs and scientists
- Make funding more flexible and adaptive
- Lower thresholds to participate
- Building domestic manufacturing and supply chains