Environmental and Energy Study Institute

Advancing renewable energy/efficiency technologies to grow our economy and protect our climate, health and security. Formed by members of Congress to educate and develop innovative solutions. Charity Navigator 4-stars.

Why do we exist?

EESI occupies a unique niche. We were established by a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders to address the need policymakers have for balanced and timely information, diverse input, and creative policy solutions on energy and environmental issues.  Climate change and “clean, green” energy (renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies) are our major focus.

As climate change and energy have become central issues, policymakers are increasingly calling upon us to provide credible, independent, and user-friendly information and innovative solutions.  Our history and reputation provide us with substantial access to policymakers.  Through Congressional briefings, fact sheets, policy papers, coalition building, media outreach, workshops, task forces, three highly acclaimed electronic newsletters, and more, EESI shares the latest science, technology and policy information and engages knowledgeable experts in the national debate.  No other national environmental group provides the same quality and quantity of Congressional briefings as EESI. 

Climate change and our dependence on fossil fuels pose a tremendous threat – to our national security, our economy, our health, our environment, and our planet.  Experts say we have just a few years to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.  EESI provides policy options to shift the country toward clean sustainable energy while creating jobs, improving national security, revitalizing rural economies, improving US competitiveness in the global marketplace, and reducing carbon emissions.

What have you accomplished?

EESI’s impact can be seen in our successful effect on many policy initiatives over the years and the people who turn to us to learn and become involved.  Our network includes more than 13,000 individuals engaged in energy and climate change.  We produce 3 highly acclaimed electronic newsletters.  Our Climate Change News, BCO: Bioenergy, Climate Protection, Oil Reduction, and Clean Motion e-newsletters reach thousands, including every Congressional office.  Our factsheets, policy papers and other materials are often used by media and other environmental groups to educate their members.

In 2007, EESI organized a record-breaking 35 Congressional briefings and events, reaching thousands with trusted, balanced information on science, technologies and policy options.  Our Congressional briefings have lead to hearings and legislative proposals.  For example, at our Congressional briefing on children’s environmental health, Dr. Lynn Goldman, a former EPA Assistant Administrator, spoke powerfully on the impact EPA’s Mercury Rule would have on the health of thousands of children across the country.  Several Senate staff members at the briefing were greatly stirred by her presentation and following the briefing, 27 Senators filed a resolution requiring EPA to review and redo its Mercury Rule. 

Each February, EESI produces a popular analysis of how the President’s proposed budget affects renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.  This has been used by media and Congressional committees.  We are one of the few groups that fights to fund programs, in addition to creating them.  In recent years, EESI has successfully fought multiple efforts to cut hydropower and geothermal energy R&D programs and several critical energy efficiency programs at the Department of Energy as well as Farm Bill renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.

EESI helped develop the Energy Title of the 2002 Farm Bill.  The Senate Agriculture Committee staff asked EESI to write a policy report on how renewable energy could revitalize the rural economy.  The paper outlined many policy options for promoting greater energy efficiency and renewable energy on America’s farms.  This paper helped create the Energy Title in the 2002 Farm Bill, which included several of EESI’s policy proposals such as farm-based renewable energy grants and loans, research into new technologies, standards for the government to purchase biobased products, and more.  When the Farm Bill faced reauthorization in 2007, Senator Lugar’s staff (R-IN) asked EESI to update our Farm Bill policy paper.  Again, many of our program ideas were included in the final bill.  Just this year, EESI was asked to testify four times on biomass energy issues.

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