SEEC Innovation and Technology Task Force Leaders Highlight Bay Area Clean Energy and Climate Innovations

Washington, D.C. - Last week, Reps. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Co-Chairs of the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition (SEEC) Innovation and Technology Task Force, met with leaders of the federally-funded Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, engaged with stakeholders by hosting a Clean Energy Tech roundtable, and visited a battery manufacturing facility. The tour was part of the Task Force's ongoing work to advance the research, development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that are aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges in our energy system and the environment.

"Across Oregon and around the country, we need lower energy costs and a reliable electric grid," Congresswoman Salinas said. "That requires us to invest in innovation today so we can build a stronger economy tomorrow. American scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs are already developing the technologies that can help us get there. From next-generation battery storage to cutting-edge research at our national laboratories, these investments are creating jobs, strengthening our energy security, and helping bring new solutions to market. As Co-Chair of the SEEC Innovation and Technology Task Force, I'm focused on making sure the federal government remains a strong partner in research, development, and commercialization. If we want to stay competitive, lower costs for consumers, and build a more resilient energy future, we need to continue supporting the innovators who are doing this work every day."

"Some of the most innovative developments in the clean energy sector are happening right here in the Bay Area where scientists and businesses are working to solve our most pressing challenges," Congressman Mullin said. "Our planet's future depends on our ability to create innovative solutions to climate change, and expanding renewable, clean energy technology will help address the skyrocketing energy costs families across America are facing today. The federal government can and should be an active participant in supporting innovation and bringing these types of solutions to market."

Reps. Salinas and Mullin visited several locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, including:

• Berkeley National Laboratory - Berkeley Labs is a world-leading facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that supports 14,000 researchers focused on discovering science and practical solutions for reliable energy systems, advanced manufacturing, and environmental protection. Their work strengthens U.S. competitiveness and innovation, and the tour included the facility's high-performance computing center, biological and environmental program integration center, the Advanced Light Source facility, and more.
• Peak Energy - Headquartered in Burlingame, CA, Peak Energy manufacturers sodium-ion batteries: a scalable, domestically manufacturable alternative capable of reducing system-wide energy costs, improving grid reliability, and easing pressure on constrained lithium supply chains. Bringing more reliable battery storage can assist with America's growing energy needs.
• Clean Energy Tech Innovation Roundtable - Industry leaders joined Reps. Salinas and Mullin to discuss how to bring clean energy technologies to market, barriers to commercialization and ways to improve the federal government's support of policies and programs. The roundtable included representatives from CellLink, Electric Fish Energy, Form Energy, Heron Power, Pacific Fusion, Peak Energy, Spark Climate Solutions, and Tapestry. While research and development is essential to expanding clean energy, ensuring it can be scaled and commercialized is an essential piece of the puzzle.

Background

The House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition has grown to over 100 members in the U.S. House of Representatives and serves as a key voice in Congress. It is committed to advancing policies that support clean energy innovation, address climate change, protect our natural environment, and promote environmental justice. 

In March 2025, Reps. Salinas and Mullin formed SEEC's Innovation and Technology Task Force to champion clean energy technology innovation. The Task Force is actively considering policy proposals on key topics including strengthening the electrical grid to meet growing demand, improving wildfire response and recovery efforts, and accelerating the development of clean energy technologies through the Department of Energy.