Representative Casten has spent his entire adult life fighting the climate crisis, and it continues to be his top priority in Congress. He combines his experience running clean energy companies with his background as a scientist to better our planet and create jobs at the same time.

In the 116th and 117th Congresses, Rep. Casten was honored to serve on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, where he was integral in developing a report that served as the blueprint for the Inflation Reduction Act – the largest investment in climate action in American history.

In December 2023, Rep. Casten and Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act to comprehensively address the primary permitting and transmission issues that are holding back the American clean energy transition. 

Rep. Casten has introduced dozens of bills related to climate change and United States energy policy, including:

• The bipartisan Clean Industrial Technologies Act and Better Energy Storage Technology Act, both of which have been signed into law.

• The End Oil and Gas Subsidies Act, which eliminates nearly a dozen of the most egregious tax breaks enjoyed by the oil and gas industry.

• The EV Grid Act, which ensures our electrical grid is prepared for the influx of EV chargers necessary to combat climate change.

• The Vehicle Energy Performance Act, which rewards purchases of the most energy-efficient vehicles, especially electric vehicles.

• The Voluntary Sustainable Apparel Labeling Act, under which apparel manufacturers and retailers may voluntarily place label on an item of apparel with EPA-verified information relating to the carbon footprint of that item, revolutionizing the way consumers learn about the environmental impact of the clothes they purchase.

• The Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act, much like the above apparel labeling bill, empowers consumers with EPA-verified information on the environmental impact of their food choices.

• The LNG Public Interest Determination Act, requires the Secretary of Energy to examine impacts on climate stability, consumer energy costs, and environmental justice communities when considering permits for new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals.

In order to bring more attention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission – the most important federal agency in our fight against the climate crisis, Rep. Casten launched a viral “Hot FERC Summer'' campaign. Rep. Casten’s eventual sequels to his original hit garnered the attention of outlets like People Magazine.

The cost of inaction is enormous, but Representative Casten recognizes that addressing climate change is an opportunity to invest in the energy infrastructure of tomorrow, making our businesses more productive and our economy more competitive globally. U.S. energy policy is complex and often convoluted, which wrongly incentivizes existing energy sources at the expense of newer, cheaper, cleaner energy sources. Congressman Casten is committed to pursuing targeted reforms that can promote a less carbon-intensive economy by removing existing legal barriers.

Rep. Casten is Vice-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), a group of more than ninety Members of Congress who are committed to protecting our environment, combating climate change, and growing domestic investment in clean energy.