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SUSTAINABLE ENERGY COALITION PRESENTS CONGRESSMAN MARK UDALL WITH LEADERSHIP AWARD

WASHINGTON (June 28, 2007) – Today in Washington, DC, members of the Sustainable Energy Coalition (SEC) presented Congressman Mark Udall (D-CO) with an award in honor of his outstanding leadership in advancing ENERGY EFFICIENCY and RENEWABLE ENERGY.  Representative Udall received a certificate for fifty trees planted in his honor through American Forests, a nonprofit organization that works to protect, restore and enhance the natural capital of trees and forests.

During his decade in Congress, Representative Udall has fought to increase funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. As co-chair along with Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN) of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, Udall has led the effort to diversify our nation’s energy portfolio and expand Congress’ understanding and recognition of the potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.  He has regularly supported legislation important for advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

Karl Gawell, Executive Director of the GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Association (GEA), an SEC member group, has worked with Congressman Udall throughout his tenure in office.  “Representative Udall’s support and leadership has been unwavering from the first days he arrived in the House,” Gawell said.  “He is a leader who has worked on a bipartisan basis to achieve real results.”

Scott Sklar, Chair of the SEC Steering Committee, agrees. “Representative Udall has been a tireless leader working with all Members of Congress in supporting a portfolio of clean energy options to build the US economy, reduce reliance on imported energy, and enhance the global environment,” Sklar said.   

Representative Udall is currently serving his fifth term in Colorado’s second district.  He has served as co-chair of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus since 2001.

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The Sustainable Energy Coalition (SEC) brings together more than 60 national and state-level business, environmental, consumer, and energy policy organizations.   Founded in 1992, the Coalition promotes increased federal support for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and reduced federal support for unsafe or polluting energy resources. For more information on the Sustainable Energy Coalition, visit www.sustainableenergycoalition.org.

The U.S. House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus was established in 1996 as a non-legislative, bi-partisan forum discussing and disseminating information about renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.  The 216 members of the Caucus represent 44 states, the District of Columbia, and two territories.