Asian Americans in Energy, the Environment and Commerce

The events precipitated by the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd and of others, which remain under investigation, have compelled the leadership of our organization to issue this public statement of sentiment. Asian Americans in Energy, the Environment, and Commerce (AE2C) was founded to create opportunities for Asian Americans and like-minded individuals on the basis of a common ethnic affinity. For that reason, we strongly adhere to the precepts of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of professional and civic life. We also condemn all forms of discrimination, both public and private. The death of Mr. Floyd has moved us to reaffirm these beliefs, but we conclude that more must be done.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Floyd, and hope that justice will be served following their loss. Cognizant that many others in our country – and indeed throughout the world – have also been moved, we share with them anguish over this tragic event, and support peaceful expressions demanding change, consistent with the First Amendment. But more must be done beyond assembly and demonstration. We urge our local, state, and federal leaders to address long-standing social injustices and inequities, especially those experienced by the Black community. And we urge all leaders to commit to pursuing equality of economic opportunity, equal protection and justice under the law. Although AE2C’s principal mission is to advocate on behalf of the Asian American community, unless all groups are accorded the same degree of fairness and equality, our mission remains unfulfilled.

At this time of reflection and introspection, we ask all Americans to look inward to see how their own attitudes and acts might better serve one another, free of prejudice and discrimination. AE2C’s activities and initiatives will continue to engage across diverse communities with the conviction that the mutual exchange of knowledge and insight benefit ourselves, our communities and the world at large. We are inspired by the protests against racial and social injustice and the aspirational words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

We are proud that this year the number of AE2C member-oriented activities in Washington grew significantly, thus giving our members and other energy and environment professionals more opportunities to learn from and interact with one another. We increasingly strive to provide value to our members, so we encourage those who have not yet joined AE2C to please do so to be able to take advantage of what our membership offers.

I want to welcome to our leadership team Jeanette Pablo who was elected our new Vice President. Jeanette was not a stranger to the AE2C family as she was one of our Founding Members. A seasoned climate and energy policy expert, Jeanette has been a law firm attorney, a federal and state government relations professional, a member of DOE senior management, and is currently General Counsel and Senior VP for a major E & E non-profit. Even with her current obligations, she has graciously agreed to assume AE2C leadership responsibilities, and we are exceedingly fortunate to have her on board. You will see and hear more from Jeanette in the future!

The year 2020 will see more activities not only in Washington, but also at our Texas chapters in Houston/Austin and in Boston, so please stay tuned. Please read our full newsletter below.

Newsletter-Winter2019-FINAL.pdf

Happy holidays to all!

Bob Gee
President, AE2C