WASHINGTON, D.C., April 24, 2017 – The Business Council for Sustainable Energy is excited to announce a new partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Clean Energy Business Network beginning May 1. Pew launched the Clean Energy Business Network (CEBN) in 2009 to inform and engage clean energy business leaders in federal policy issues affecting the industry. It has grown to over 3,000 members from the 50 U.S. states representing all aspects of the clean energy economy.

Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, said, “The Council is delighted to welcome the Clean Energy Business Network as a new grassroots initiative of our organization. This partnership will give the clean energy industry a stronger, more unified voice in our nation’s capital and throughout the country.”

Thomas Wathen, Vice President, Environment Americas Program at The Pew Charitable Trusts, said, “Pew is proud to have partnered with these entrepreneurs and seen first-hand how influential their efforts to promote the benefits of clean energy businesses have become. Moving the network to the Business Council for Sustainable Energy will foster greater opportunities for CEBN members by expanding the size, reach, and strategic capabilities of both business organizations.”

Formed in 1992, the Council is a coalition of over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and foundations from the energy efficiency, natural gas and renewable energy sectors that have become influential voices in Washington and internationally. The CEBN is composed of individual members—many of whom are executives of small- to medium-sized companies—across a diversity of technologies and geographies.

The Council and CEBN will work together to promote policies that support a diverse portfolio of energy options in the U.S. and ensure access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy solutions. The partnership will be structured to maximize policy coordination and shared resources while preserving a degree of independence and continuity for both business organizations.

Lynn Abramson, who has managed the CEBN at Pew since July 2013, will serve as Executive Director of the Clean Energy Business Network as of May 1.

Over the coming months, staff will launch a survey and dialogues with BCSE and CEBN members to assess their policy priorities, current and prospective new services of interest, and opportunities to promote more networking. This will inform the development of a new strategic plan and governance structure for the CEBN that enables greater member engagement.