Statement of NHA Executive Director Linda Church Ciocci on H.R. 2994, the Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2011

“NHA is pleased to support H.R. 2994, Representatives Jay Inslee, Don Young, and Theodore Deutch’s Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2011.  Enacting policies like these that advance new technologies and project deployment will assist the industry in realizing the tremendous growth potential available in the marine and hydrokinetic sector.

“This bipartisan bill addresses the needs of the MHK industry by creating programs to develop technologies, test devices, gain environmental and other data, and deploy.  The establishment of MHK test facilities in the United States is critical to demonstrating these technologies in actual operating environments across this country.

“The bill also seeks to better coordinate and reduce duplication of activities across the federal agencies supporting MHK development. As in the conventional hydropower industry, NHA believes that regulatory improvements are possible for MHK project development, while still maintaining environmental standards and resource protection.

“Similar legislation has already received a positive reception on the other side of the Capitol, where it awaits action by the full Senate.  NHA urges the House to act quickly to advance this bill and provide the MHK industry these tools to expand renewable energy generation in the U.S.”