Groups Seek Expansion Of Congressional Energy Caucus
By Ken Bossong
February 12, 2004 Washington - In a letter being delivered today by the Sustainable Energy Coalition, 78 business, environmental, consumer, religious, and energy policy organizations are urging members of Congress, who are not yet members, to join the House Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency (RE/EE) Caucus.
A similar letter is scheduled to be delivered shortly to the members of the U.S. Senate who have not yet joined that body's RE/EE Caucus. The House and Senate RE/EE Caucuses are non-legislative, bipartisan organizations created to promote greater awareness among Members of Congress of the status and potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Originally formed in 1996, the House RE/EE Caucus has grown to now include 223 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The newest member to join is Rep. Rick Renzi (R-AZ). The Senate RE/EE Caucus presently numbers 32 members. The Caucuses regularly provide their members with announcements of related events of interest and a weekly compilation of news stories reporting on energy efficiency and renewable energy developments around the country. In addition, they have co-hosted with the Environmental & Energy Study Institute and the Sustainable Energy Coalition an on-going series of congressional briefings on a cross-section of energy policy issues.
The biggest Caucus event is the annual RE/EE EXPO which typically draws an estimated 3,000 people. The next EXPO, which will exhibit cutting-edge technologies that are already protecting the environment, enhancing national security, and creating new jobs, is scheduled for Tuesday, June 8, 2004, from 10 am - 5 pm in the House Cannon Caucus Room. A copy of the letter and a complete list of signers can be found at the Sustainable Energy Coalition website at, www.sustainableenergy.org.