Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) is a national community of business leaders who promote sound environmental policy that builds economic prosperity.

We provide an independent, nonpartisan resource for understanding the business perspective on environmental issues. Working with business, environmental and non-traditional allies, E2 helps shape state and national policy that’s good for the economy and the environment.

Our Mission

To create a platform for independent business leaders to promote environmentally sustainable economic growth.

Who We Are

E2 members come from a broad business base, ranging from clean energy and clean tech to real estate and finance, and beyond. Our members have founded, financed or otherwise developed more than 1,400 companies that have created over 500,000 jobs, and manage nearly $90 billion in venture and private equity capital that will flow into new companies.

Business leaders join E2 as individuals who believe there is value in bringing a reasoned, economically based approach to addressing environmental issues. They contribute their unique perspectives, based on experience in industries that have seen economic growth paired with environmentally sustainable practices and policies. Together, they are working to promote a more sustainable economy, not just the interest of any one business or industry.

E2 leadership is drawn from our membership: our founders and Chapter Directors are business people who serve in a volunteer capacity.

What We Do

E2 provides a time-efficient way for business leaders to leverage their professional experience and networks to influence policy and shape the debate around environmental and sustainability issues. E2 keeps its members informed on critical issues, identifies key players in the debate and highlights actions that members can take to make a difference. We then organize specific initiatives that members can engage in, consistent with their time, interest and expertise: position statements, visits to legislators and administrators, letters and op-eds, press briefings and radio tours.

In order to have influence, we build relationships with public officials at the national, state and metropolitan level. Through E2 trips to Washington, DC and state capitals, in-district meetings with legislators, and events that incorporate public officials alongside the business community, we endeavor to create a level of mutual understanding and trust as a basis for constructive dialogue around specific issues.

Our Impact

E2 has influenced critical policies at the state, regional and federal levels in a wide range of sectors, including energy, climate, oceans, water, transportation, and smart growth. We promote policies that not only improve our air, water, and public health, but also create jobs and provide better economic returns using fewer natural resources. Policymakers often tell us that environmental victories could not be won without the support of E2’s business voice. They typically hear from companies or trade associations that have a financial interest in the outcome, and do not necessarily represent the broader business community. Our members’ experience and credibility is the key to E2’s ability to provide a more balanced perspective and to share the ‘real world’ impact of policies on business.

“E2 plays a critical role in demonstrating that smart business thinking can help solve environmental and energy issues, while spurring investment, innovation, job creation, and economic growth.” - Julius Genachowski, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission

NRDC Partnership

E2 was founded in 2000 as an affiliate of the Natural Resources Defense Council. With over 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals, and the strength of 1.3 million members across the country, NRDC is the nation’s most effective environmental action organization.

This affiliation gives E2 access to the resources of NRDC: analytical and policy expertise, government affairs insight and relationships, communications platform and support. NRDC provides a dedicated staff to support the efforts of E2’s volunteer leadership.

Contributions to E2 are made directly to NRDC.

Learn more about:

• Chapters
• Leadership
• Members
• Partners
• Staff