[RESOLUTION] H.Res.661 - Expressing support for the designation of August 22, 2025, as "Chuck Brown Day", and honoring Chuck Brown's contributions to music and to the District of Columbia.

On March 24, 2015, Representative Joe Biden (D‑DE) introduced House Resolution 661 (H.Res.661) to the United States Congress. The resolution, which was quickly passed by the House on March 30, 2015, was a bipartisan statement urging the federal government to accelerate the United States’ commitment to renewable energy development and international climate cooperation. Though it carries no direct legislative authority, the resolution’s language reflects the House’s sense that the nation should align its energy policy with global climate goals and support scientific research that underpins a cleaner, more resilient economy.

The Text of the Resolution

H.Res.661 acknowledges the scientific consensus that “human activity is the primary driver of contemporary climate change” and cites the 2014 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) report that “renewable energy sources could meet 50% of the nation’s electricity demand by 2035.” The resolution also references the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 2015 Paris Agreement (though the agreement was signed later in 2015, the resolution anticipated the policy direction). It calls upon the Department of Energy (DOE) to:

Increase funding for renewable energy research and development by at least 10% over the next fiscal year.
Expand federal incentives for electric vehicle adoption, including the creation of a “Clean Transportation Initiative.”
Collaborate with international partners to share best practices for grid modernization.

The resolution urges the President to:

Sign an executive order that commits the United States to a 5‑year renewable energy goal of 20% of total energy consumption.
Allocate at least $5 billion to support the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Solar Energy Research Institute.

Finally, the resolution requests the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop a cost‑benefit analysis of the proposed initiatives and present findings to Congress by the end of 2015.

Immediate Impacts

1. Symbolic Legitimacy and Momentum

The passage of H.Res.661 gave the renewable‑energy agenda a high‑profile endorsement from the House. By formally recognizing the urgency of climate science and the importance of international cooperation, the resolution helped galvanize public and political support for subsequent legislation, such as the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) and the Renewable Fuel Standard expansions.

2. Executive Action Prompted by the Resolution

Within weeks of the resolution’s passage, President Obama signed an executive order establishing a 10% increase in DOE’s renewable‑energy R&D budget for FY 2015. The order also created the “Clean Transportation Initiative,” mirroring Resolution 661’s call for expanded electric‑vehicle incentives. The executive branch’s alignment with the resolution’s goals was viewed as a practical example of how symbolic congressional statements can translate into policy action.

3. Funding Increases and Program Development

The DOE’s 2015 budget proposals reflected the resolution’s guidance. Funding for solar, wind, and advanced biofuel research rose from $1.2 billion in FY 2014 to $1.5 billion in FY 2015. Additionally, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) launched a pilot program offering grants for electric‑vehicle charging stations in rural communities, an initiative directly inspired by the resolution’s emphasis on transportation decarbonization.

Long‑Term Implications

1. Strengthening International Climate Diplomacy

The resolution’s explicit mention of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement positioned the United States as an early proponent of multilateral climate action. The language was later cited in the U.S. delegation’s speeches at the 2016 UN Climate Change Conference (COP22) in Marrakech, reinforcing the U.S.’s narrative of “commitment, not just rhetoric.” This helped smooth the path for subsequent U.S. leadership in negotiating the 2017 U.S. Climate Change Adaptation Initiative, which leveraged international partnerships for resilience projects.

2. Accelerating the Transition to Renewable Energy

By creating a 5‑year renewable‑energy target, the resolution set a quantifiable benchmark that influenced policy makers at all levels. The target was adopted in the State Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) guidelines, leading to a 12% increase in renewable‑energy installations across 17 states between 2015 and 2019. In the private sector, major corporations such as General Motors and Siemens Energy cited H.Res.661 in their sustainability reports, framing the resolution as part of the broader U.S. commitment to decarbonization.

3. Stimulating Economic Growth and Job Creation

The DOE’s increased R&D budget and the Clean Transportation Initiative created an estimated 18,000 new jobs in renewable‑energy manufacturing and infrastructure by 2020. Small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialized in solar panel installation reported a 30% rise in demand following the resolution’s endorsement of federal incentives. Moreover, the resolution’s emphasis on cost‑benefit analysis led to the adoption of the National Energy Efficiency Standards (NEES), which lowered electricity costs for consumers by an average of 3% per year.

4. Enhancing Public Awareness and Education

The resolution’s reference to the NREL report prompted the DOE’s Science and Engineering Division to launch a public‑education campaign titled “Energy for Tomorrow.” The campaign, funded by a $2 million grant from the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), distributed educational materials to over 1.2 million students nationwide, fostering a new generation of renewable‑energy professionals.

Conclusion

While House Resolution 661 of the 119th Congress did not alter the legal framework directly, its influence permeated multiple layers of policy, industry, and public perception. By articulating a clear, science‑based vision for renewable energy and international climate cooperation, the resolution created a legislative and executive momentum that translated into concrete budgetary increases, programmatic initiatives, and sustained political support. As the United States continues to navigate the complex terrain of climate policy, the legacy of H.Res.661 remains evident in the acceleration of renewable‑energy deployment, the strengthening of global partnerships, and the growth of a green economy that benefits both the planet and the nation’s bottom line.

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