Statement on the passage of H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 2, 2019) – Today SEEC Co-Chairs Reps. Gerry Connolly, Paul Tonko, and Doris Matsui and Vice-Chairs Reps. Chellie Pingree, Matt Cartwright, Alan Lowenthal, Mike Quigley, and A. Donald McEachin released the following statement in response to the passage of H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, in the House of Representatives. The Climate Action Now Act directs the President to develop a plan for the United States to meet its nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement and prohibits the use of funds to withdraw the United States from the Agreement.

“As a coalition of advocates committed to action on climate change in the House of Representatives, SEEC has been a strong supporter of the Paris Agreement and maintaining our country’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Today we celebrate the passage of the Climate Action Now Act as an important signal to the American people and the international community that the United States remains committed to serious climate action. Now it’s time for the Senate to act. But SEEC’s work will not stop with the passage H.R. 9—we will continue to push for legislation to address climate change in this Congress on every front possible.”

Dozens of SEEC members made it to the House Floor this week to advocate for passage of the Climate Action Now Act. Supporting the Paris Climate Agreement has long been a priority for SEEC. The coalition partnered with the Senate Climate Task Force last fall to support state and local action to maintain U.S. commitments under the Paris Agreement. In November of 2017, SEEC joined with fellow climate advocates in Washington, DC to rally in support of the agreement.

The Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) is a coalition of over 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives that was founded in January 2009 to be a focused, active, and effective coalition for advancing policies that address climate change, promote clean energy innovation and domestic manufacturing, develop renewable energy resources, create good green jobs, protect our nation’s clean air, water and natural environment, and promote environmental justice.

SEEC is Co-Chaired by Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), and Doris Matsui (D-CA).

SEEC Vice-Chairs are Reps. A Donald McEachin (D-VA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), and Mike Quigley (D-IL).