January 28th, 2009 Hinchey Helps Create New Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition
 Maurice Hinchey |
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Washington, DC - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced that he has helped establish the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) -- a new focused, action-based caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives committed to advancing a legislative agenda that will bring about dramatic progressive change in energy and environmental policy while helping to grow the economy. The group, which was founded by Congressman Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY) 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 economic recovery bill currently being debated in Congress.
The stated purpose of the SEEC 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.”
"I am very pleased to have helped found the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition at a critical moment in time when the energy and environmental policies we set forth today will determine the long-term viability of our planet," Hinchey said. "Our nation is at a crossroads and those of us in Congress have an extraordinary opportunity to create sustainable energy and economic policies that will create jobs while improving the environment for humans and all species. This new coalition will strengthen the voice of those of us in Congress who recognize that time is not on our side anymore and that we must act swiftly to change our ways as a nation and become focused on sustainable energy practices."
The SEEC already has 35 founding members, a strong show of initial support in a session of Congress that will be a turning point in climate and energy policy. The coalition will work to aggressively push the advancement of its legislative agenda in talks with House leadership and other groups within Congress. The SEEC officially formed at the end of the 110th Congress when an informal group of like-minded members of Congress met to discuss how they could impact the 2008 House energy and economic recovery bills. In the 2008 and 2009 economic recovery packages, the group successfully inserted provisions for the federal support of advanced-battery manufacturers, loan guarantees for renewable energy and a new grants program to help push solar and other renewable energy technologies into the mainstream.
In 2007, Hinchey helped organize and create The Solar Energy Consortium (TSEC) -- an industry-driven, non-profit organization that provides leadership, organization, resources, and support for the establishment of a major solar energy industry cluster in New York. The consortium has already partnered with two major manufacturing partners, which plan to bring more than 800 new jobs to upstate New York within 4-5 years. In addition, TSEC is currently partnering with several smaller companies who have already generated more than 70 jobs through their efforts with the consortium. Using his seat on the House Appropriations Committee, Hinchey has already secured nearly $14 million in federal funds for TSEC and its partners. The congressman intends to use his position as a member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition to advance policies that will benefit TSEC and other similar organizations throughout the country. |
