Kerry/Lieberman Recognize the Importance of Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy
May 25, 2010
Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) recently unveiled a discussion draft of their long awaited energy and climate change legislation. The measure, entitled the American Power Act, includes several provisions that promote marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) energy as a new source of clean, renewable electricity for the United States.
"Other countries, particularly in Europe, have recognized the potential of wave and tidal energy as part of comprehensive renewable energy policy," said Mr. O'Neill. "The time has come for the U.S. to catch up to our European counterparts in balancing our country's renewable energy portfolio with our vast marine resources."
The Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition (OREC) supports increased federal funding for efforts to commercialize marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) technologies. “We believe that in order to secure economic growth while improving our environment and energy portfolio, a multi-faceted approach utilizing complementary power technologies is necessary,” said Sean O’Neill, OREC’s President. “This legislation is another important step toward realizing the benefits of a diverse renewable energy portfolio, including MHK technologies, as the foundation of a reliable, sustainable energy future.” Language in the Kerry/Lieberman legislation explicitly recognizes marine and hydrokinetic energy as a renewable resource and a clean energy technology. Additional provisions that support MHK technologies, including an adaptive management program and increased research, development and deployment funding, are contained in S. 1462, the American Clean Energy Leadership Act. Finally, the Finance Committee has under consideration S. 922, legislation by Senator Murkowski (R-AK), to provide for accelerated depreciation to further support commercialization of wave and tidal energy. It is not clear at this time what energy and climate change measure will be brought to the floor by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). However, OREC strongly urges that the final package include the MHK related provisions currently under consideration by Congress in order to hasten commercialization of the industry in the United States. As Congress continues consideration of energy and climate legislation, the Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition will work closely with its supporters in the House and Senate to ensure key provisions of interest to its members are included and lobby for additional support for marine renewable technology development and deployment opportunities.
About the Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition The Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition (OREC) is the only national trade association exclusively dedicated to promoting marine and hydrokinetic technologies to capture energy from clean, renewable ocean resources. Founded in April of 2005, the Coalition has grown to over 40 members, including technology developers, consultants, law firms, investor-owned utilities, publicly owned utilities, universities, and scientific and engineering firms. The Coalition is working with industry leaders, academic scholars, and other interested NGO's to encourage ocean renewable technologies and raise awareness of their vast potential to help secure an affordable, reliable, environmentally friendly energy future. We seek a legislative and regulatory regime in the United States that fosters the development of ocean renewable technologies, their commercial deployment, and federal government support in the race to capture the rich energy potential of our oceans. While other countries have already deployed viable, operating, power generating projects using the emission-free power of ocean waves, currents, and tidal forces, the U.S. is only beginning to acknowledge the importance these technologies. OREC Corporate Members Alden Research Laboratory, Inc. Central Lincoln People’s Utility District Marine Renewable Energy Laboratory Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Millbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy, LLP Pacific Gas & Electric Company Scottish Development International Simmons & Company International Snohomish Public Utility District University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
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