Press Releases

Yesterday, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) was unanimously re-elected to another term as Co-Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, also known as the House Green Dogs. 

“I thank my colleagues for their trust and confidence to serve another term as Co-Chair of the House Green Dogs,” Connolly said. “We have important and urgent work to do in the next two years. Across our country and around the globe, communities face an environmental crisis, from sea level rise, increased extreme weather incidents, and growing public health consequences. In the wake of President Trump’s environmental recklessness, I look forward to working with the Biden administration to repair the damage and provide bold, equitable climate solutions.”

SEEC is Co-Chaired by Reps. Connolly,  Paul Tonko (D-NY), 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). It is the largest environmental caucus in Congress, with more than 70 members. SEEC remains committed to advancing policies that support clean energy innovation, address climate change, protect our natural environment and promote environmental justice. 

In January, SEEC called on President Biden and House leadership urging immediate action on the climate crisis. The letters stated:

“….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.”

Connolly is a cosponsor of the Green New Deal, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, and the 100% Clean Economy Act. He has consistently  opposed opening Virginia’s coastline to offshore drilling and fought to remediate and close coal ash ponds. As Chairman of Fairfax County, Connolly launched the Cool Counties initiative to reduce the county’s carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050. He is the recipient of the Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award and the Protector of the Potomac Award from the Potomac Riverkeeper Network. In 2020, Connolly received a 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters.