House Democrats, SEEC Institute release 2027 energy and climate policy menu

Nine House Democrats and the SEEC Institute released the Thriving Economy Project on Sept. 15, a nine-chapter menu of more than 800 policy recommendations. The project sets out an economic and climate agenda for 2027. Each chapter was developed by a congressional lead alongside policy experts, according to a summary by Latham's project finance group. The document is a menu of policy ideas, not a bill.

Latham's summary flags enhanced corporate climate disclosures, climate scenario analysis for financial institutions, sustainability-focused data center regulations and federal investment in clean energy as notable proposals. The report's chapter titles include "Cheap, Abundant, and Clean American Energy for All," "Next-Generation Energy Technology Researched, Developed, and Built in America," "A Nationally Secure, Globally Competitive Energy Sector" and "Accessible, Low-Cost Finance for a Clean Energy Future."

Latham says many of the proposals would likely require legislation and could face significant political hurdles in a divided government. Even so, the firm says the report is noteworthy because it reflects priorities of certain Democratic lawmakers and policy experts as they develop an agenda for 2027 and beyond. Latham also says many recommendations could influence congressional oversight, agency investigations, information requests and regulatory priorities without new legislation.

The report may also serve as an early blueprint for policy positions that could feature prominently in the 2028 election cycle, according to Latham. The SEEC Institute is a non-profit organization established to complement the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, a group of House members founded in 2009 to advocate for clean energy innovation and job creation, environmental protection and policies addressing global climate change.