SRES-348-116
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S5760; text: CR S5754)
Sponsored by Susan Collins (R-ME)
What it does
This resolution formally declares the week of September 23 through September 27, 2019, as "National Clean Energy Week." It is a simple proclamation passed by the Senate and carries no binding legal force, creates no new law, allocates no funding, and imposes no mandates or penalties on any person, business, or government agency.
Who benefits
Organizations and businesses that produce or promote non-fossil-fuel energy sources (such as solar, wind, nuclear, and hydropower) may gain a modest platform for public awareness. Advocacy groups focused on energy technology could use the designation for outreach and educational events during that week.
Who is hurt
No group faces a direct legal, financial, or regulatory burden from this resolution. Because it is purely symbolic and non-binding, it does not restrict, penalize, or disadvantage any individual, industry, or government entity.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that symbolic resolutions serve a meaningful civic purpose by focusing public and media attention on important policy areas. Designating a National Clean Energy Week signals that the Senate recognizes the growing role of non-fossil-fuel energy sources in the U.S. economy and encourages public education on energy options. Proponents contend that raising awareness can spur consumer interest, support workforce development in energy sectors, and foster bipartisan dialogue on energy policy without imposing any costs or mandates on anyone.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that symbolic resolutions consume limited Senate floor time without producing any tangible policy outcome, funding, or legal change. Critics contend that a proclamation with no binding effect does nothing to advance concrete energy goals, address energy costs, or resolve the substantive policy disagreements that surround energy regulation. From this view, the resolution amounts to a messaging exercise that substitutes for — rather than advances — meaningful legislative action on energy policy.