Senate Energy Bill Posted

It’s been a busy month for the Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition so even though posted about the Senate Energy Bill here, we did not include a link to the Bill in its entirety.  For those interested, here is the version of the  Senate Enery Bill (pdf)
that was passed at the end of June.  You’ll notice that OREC was successful in ensuring that ocean energy qualifies for the renewable energy production incentive (REPI), the renewable energy inventory to be conducted by the Department of Energy and the mandatory federal purchase requirement.  Even better, for the first time ever, ocean energy qualified for production tax credits and was also included as an eligible renewable for purposes of the renewables portfolio standard (RPS) that’s in the bill.

The House and Senate bill have since moved on to conference.  We understand that a vote on the Energy Bill is imminent and we will keep you posted on the results.

So-Called National Ocean Protection Act S.1224

With all of our attention and limited resources focused on the Senate Energy Bill, we almost overlooked Barbara Boxer’s so-called National Ocean Protection Act (June 9, 2005).  At a time when ocean energy is just starting to make strides and gain recognition in legislation, the Boxer Bill would throw up more barriers.  Among other things, Sec. 151 of the Boxer Bill will require federal agencies with permitting authority over oceans to certify that their decisions comply with applicable law - and will give NOAA review authority over those agency determinations.  Another layer of bureaucracy - just what’s needed in the ocean energy industry.  Even worse, Section 161 calls for NOAA, in coordination with EPA, Corps and DOI, to develop an offshore permitting program for actions in federal waters including development of renewable energy.

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More Details on Ocean in the Senate Energy Bill

The recently passed Senate bill that we posted on here contains many benefits for the ocean energy industry.  While the Senate bill isn’t yet available online, we’ve given a run down of some of the amendments it contains that will help stimulate the ocean energy industry in the United States and move us on a course towards commercialization.  Just click on "read more" to view.

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Keep Up With Ocean Energy Developments in the U.S. and Abroad

If you’re trying to keep abreast of all of the development in the ocean renewable and offshore wind community, please visit the LOCE Offshore Wind and Wave Weblog.  It’s just been updated, with links to articles on new projects and other news relevant to those following the ocean energy industry.