U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Mo.) has been appointed as the new Democratic Co-Chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus. This significant leadership role was extended to him by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), who serve as the co-chairs of the Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (REEE) Caucus. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) serve as deputy co-chairs of the Senate REEE Caucus.
In assuming this role, Rep. Cleaver expressed his commitment to advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, emphasizing the bipartisan consensus surrounding the importance of these technologies. He underscored the potential of such innovations to create domestic employment opportunities, generate cost savings, reduce pollution, and safeguard the environment for future generations. Rep. Cleaver expressed eagerness to lead the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus as the nation embraces these opportunities.
Sens. Reed and Crapo extended their congratulations to Rep. Cleaver on his new leadership role, affirming their readiness to collaborate with him and his team. They highlighted the upcoming 2024 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum as a focal point for joint efforts to promote awareness of the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Congress.
The House and Senate REEE Caucuses have a long-standing history of bipartisan collaboration dating back to the late 1990s, aimed at raising awareness of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies in Congress. These caucuses serve as honorary co-hosts of the Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum, organized annually by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI). Additionally, they sponsor Congressional briefings throughout the year, including events like the upcoming briefing on the 2024 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, currently serving his tenth term representing Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role. Noteworthy among his accomplishments is the establishment of the Green Impact Zone in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2009. This transformative project revitalized urban areas, incorporating climate-aware infrastructure and creating job opportunities for residents.
EESI President Daniel Bresette hailed the appointment of Rep. Cleaver, emphasizing the critical role of the House REEE Caucus in providing essential resources and education on clean energy issues. Bresette highlighted the increasing prominence of renewable energy and energy efficiency topics in public discourse and emphasized the caucus’s role in delivering timely and relevant information to Capitol Hill.