SEEC Statement on the Passing of Founding Member and Former SEEC Co-Chair Gerry Connolly

Washington, D.C. – The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko and Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Sean Casten, Mike Levin, and Chellie Pingree, released the following statement on the passing of founding member and former SEEC Co-Chair Congressman Gerry Connolly.

“Today, our SEEC family has lost a leader, a mentor, and a dear colleague with the passing of Gerry Connolly. As one of his first actions as a newly-elected member of Congress, Gerry signed up to be a founding member of SEEC, because he knew that one of our primary responsibilities as elected officials is to deliver a world that is better and brighter than we found it. He also knew sometimes that requires being a tenacious fighter for that world we want to see, which is why his preferred way to refer to SEEC was the ‘Green Dogs’. 

“It was Gerry’s unwavering belief that clean air, clean water, and a habitable planet are the basic rights for all people – not just for the privileged few. On a national scale he was a tireless advocate for our clean energy investments that delivered affordable energy to the communities he represented, while also championing local efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay and expanding environmental protections within the Potomac watershed. As a longstanding member as well as recent Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee, he brought his clear-sighted vision for the importance of protecting the environment to his accountability work, to make sure the federal government lived up to its obligations as a good steward of our one and only planet. 

“Our hearts are with Gerry’s loved ones and devoted staff, and all those who have had the joy in experiencing the kindness, wit, and humor he brought to the halls of Congress. We promise to remain vigilant Green Dogs to honor Gerry's legacy.”