SEEC Institute Delegation Explores NYC Clean Energy Innovation and Climate Solutions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 03/31/2025
Washington, D.C., March 31, 2025 – Last week, SEEC Institute led a climate and clean energy tour of New York City, joined by Rep. Paul Tonko, Rep. Doris Matsui, and Rep. Dan Goldman, to explore solutions-focused innovations and partnerships. Over three days of immersive visits and productive conversations, the trip highlighted the challenges and opportunities in building a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.
The visit opened with a welcome reception in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, where Members connected with advocates, business leaders, and change makers. The evening underscored the power of cross-sector collaboration to drive environmental progress.
On Friday, the delegation toured Con Edison to learn how one of the nation’s largest utilities is mitigating climate risk and preparing New York’s grid for a clean energy future. In Brooklyn, Rep. Yvette Clarke joined the group at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to see how urban green spaces offer climate resilience, public education, and biodiversity benefits. At Newlab, Members met with entrepreneurs developing transformative technologies in clean energy, mobility, and sustainable materials - highlighting the critical role of innovation and investment in achieving climate goals. A roundtable with chef Evan Hanczor and the James Beard Foundation illuminated how climate change impacts small businesses as well as restaurant and farm economies.
Saturday’s program looked outward both locally and globally. A breakfast discussion with international ambassadors to the U.S. and UN brought home the global stakes of the climate crisis, as well as the need for U.S. congressional leadership in climate diplomacy. The delegation then visited Governors Island to engage with the Billion Oyster Project and the future New York Climate Exchange, two bold initiatives blending ecological restoration, STEM education, and community-led innovation.
As the trip concluded, Members returned to Washington with a renewed sense of inspiration and clear eyes about the challenges ahead. From ecosystem restoration to energy innovation, the ideas and partnerships taking root in New York City point the way toward scalable solutions nationwide. With sustained collaboration, investment, and congressional leadership, the path toward a clean economy is not only possible, it is already underway. The task now is to accelerate this momentum.
Media Contact:
Pearson Croney-Clark
Director of External Affairs
SEEC Institute
pearson@seecinstitute.org
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