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WASHINGTON—Chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Representatives Doris Matsui (CA-6) and Gerry Connolly (VA-11) announced today their re-election today as co-chairs of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) by fellow members. SEEC vice-chairs, Representatives Chellie Pingree (ME-1), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Matt Cartwright (PA-8), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), and A. Donald McEachin (VA-4), were also re-elected for the 117th Congress.

“Across every corner of our country, the climate crisis is exacting a devastating impact on Americans, including from record severe storms, rampant wildfires, crumbling infrastructure or contaminated air and water,” Congressman Tonko said. “Now our nation is at a turning point. We have the opportunity to build back better than ever with needed action to develop clean energy, tackle the threat of climate change, create good-paying jobs and make a stronger, more resilient and more just economy for all. I am eager to seize this opportunity that will strengthen not only our own local communities but the world. I look forward to our continued partnerships among all of our SEEC members to advance smart, science-based policy that sets us on the course for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

In January, SEEC called on President Biden and House Leadership to take immediate action on the climate crisis. The letter read in part:

“….we know that the country is facing interconnected crises—health, economic, racial, and climate—and like you, we believe we can help address them all by building back better as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This recovery will be our opportunity to justly and equitably rebuild and spur prosperity for decades to come. Central to this mission will be developing a recovery plan that addresses climate change—employing both investments and standards to put us on a path to zero-emissions, while creating millions of high-quality jobs and investing in frontline communities disproportionately burdened by pollution.”

SEEC will continue to work closely with Committees, House Leadership and Senate partners to advance critical climate policies this year. 

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