SEEC Shares Press Release on SEEC Institute Trip
SEEC MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN CLIMATE CHANGE TOUR OF GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
June 23, 2025
Asheville, NC – Last week, members of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) joined SEEC Institute on a two-day climate change tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. SEEC Co-ChairRep. Mike Quigley (IL-05) was joined by SEEC Vice Chair Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06), SEEC Member Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02), and SEEC Member Rep. Maxine Dexter (OR-03) to learn about the significant impacts of climate change on our nation’s most visited national park. The tour concluded in Asheville, North Carolina where members discussed post-Hurricane Helene disaster recovery efforts and economic impacts with local officials, disaster coordinators, and small business owners.
“For a decade, my National Park Climate Change Tours have allowed us a firsthand look at how climate change damages our parks' plants, wildlife, and waterways. During our visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I visited places like Chilhowee Lake and learned about habitat restoration efforts to protect endangered fish populations and ensure ecological diversity," said Congressman Mike Quigley. “This year, we also spent time visiting with nearby towns that were hit by Hurricane Helene, where we discussed the importance of federal services to rebuilding and fighting severe weather. The Great Smoky Mountains is ultimately just one of the many national treasures threatened by extreme weather, rising carbon emissions, and plastic pollution. We all have to work together to fight that threat."
"Our national parks are among our most important American treasures,” said Congressman Sean Casten. “I was honored to join my colleagues this past week in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see local efforts to preserve crucial ecosystems and ensure that our parks will be around for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. I also appreciated hearing directly from folks managing the recovery and rehabilitation efforts following Hurricane Helene, and look forward to taking what we learned back to Washington to help mitigate the next climate-driven extreme weather disaster."
"Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park affirmed just how vital public lands are to the health and prosperity of communities across our country. The park and surrounding national forests protect clean air and water, offer unmatched recreational opportunities to locals and visitors alike, and power local economies by driving tourism and supporting small businesses in Tennessee and North Carolina,” said Congressman Jared Huffman. “I was inspired by the innovative and collaborative efforts between all levels of government, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations working to protect and restore habitat and wildlife in the face of the climate crisis. Investing in climate resilience and public lands is how we build a safer, stronger America—not tear it down with the reckless cuts and short-sighted policies President Trump and Republicans are pushing.”
“My visit to the Great Smoky Mountains with my fellow SEEC members was a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. From climate research to conservation and community resilience, each stop underscored the vital role our public lands play in protecting health and combating the climate crisis,” said Congresswoman Maxine Dexter. “At Look Rock, I saw how long-term air quality monitoring is helping us understand and respond to environmental threats. This work is more urgent than ever as Trump renews his assault on our public lands and congressional Republicans push legislation that would sell them off. These experiences will directly inform my oversight work as we fight to ensure our lands and air remain protected for future generations.”