Congratulating the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (Eesi) on its 40th Anniversary

Floor Speech

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Ms. BROWNLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the accomplishments of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), which is celebrating a 40-year history of advancing climate solutions. The institute was founded by a bipartisan group of members of Congress. including then-Rep. Richard L. ``Dick'' Ottinger (D-N.Y.), who continues to serve on its board of directors as chair emeritus, and then-Rep. Thomas B. Evans (R-Del.). Since 1984, EESI has worked in a nonpartisan manner to provide science-based educational resources to policymakers and the public. As we enter this decisive decade for climate action, the role played by EESI in advancing science-based solutions for climate change, energy, and environmental challenges is more important than ever.

On multiple occasions, I have had the pleasure of working closely with EESI. For example, their briefing on lowering carbon emissions from commercial aviation coincided with the initial release of my bill, the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act (H.R. 2747). I also spoke at an EESI briefing on food waste reduction in December 2021. While I served on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis from 2019 to 2023, EESI submitted a substantive response to our request for information. The institute also organized a briefing about the report issued by the Select Committee majority in June 2020.

I commend EESI for serving as a trusted source of credible, nonpartisan, science-based information about energy and environmental topics and climate change solutions. EESI has helped to strengthen federal climate policy. Each year, the institute produces more than 20 Congressional briefings, 35 newsletters, and 100 articles, as well as fact sheets, issue briefs, and podcast episodes. Since 2010, EESI has also provided free technical assistance to help dozens of rural utilities across the country develop and implement inclusive on-bill financing programs for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and beneficial electrification.

I truly hope that EESI will continue to work with Congress for the next 40 years, continuing to prioritize the climate, advancing solutions, fostering bipartisanship, supporting rural communities, and cultivating young leaders.

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