WASHINGTON, DC -- Rep. Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) announced today that he has joined the new Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), a focused, action-based caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Tonko was named as a Vice Chair for Speakers for the coalition.
"I am passionate about helping create a national energy policy around the idea that we can achieve energy independence, grow an innovation economy built around 'green collar' jobs while improving our environment," said Congressman Tonko, who is a member of the Science and Technology and Education and Labor Committees. "This coalition will give us a strong voice in the House as we work to make the investments that will move this nation in a new direction on energy policy."
The group recently met with Assistant to the President Carol Browner to discuss energy and climate policy. Additionally, the SEEC has been working to strengthen green technology provisions in the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.
The SEEC’s stated purpose is “to advance policies that promote clean energy technology innovation and domestic manufacturing, develop renewable energy resources, create green collar jobs throughout the product supply-chain, help arrest global warming and protect our nation’s clean air, water and natural environment.”
The SEEC has thirty-five founding members, and is chaired by Reps. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) and Jay Inslee (D-Wash).
The Coalition will be working with House leadership, the White House, and other groups in Congress to advance their energy priorities.
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