The Energy Bill Passes – and Ocean Renewables Gain Recognition!
(from Renewable Energy Access): The United States Senate today passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by
a vote of 74 to 26 that included renewable provisions recognizing Ocean
Renewable Energy for the first time in 20 years. The Energy Policy Act
of 2005 includes provisions covering the Renewable Energy Production
Incentives, and Mandatory Purchase Requirements for ocean renewable
energy produced from tidal, current and wave technologies. The House
passed the Bill on Thursday, July 29, on a 275-156 vote.
"The Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition (OREC) will continue to promote our
industry’s interests. We made a difference in this year’s energy bill,"
stated Sean O’Neill, President of OREC. "There is still much to be done
to help ensure our energy security into the future. While we’ve been
included in several of the most important provisions, ocean energy
needs to be included in the Production Tax Credits next time around. In
the meantime, our highest priorities will be regulatory and permitting
reform."
"We began this campaign three months ago," stated OREC CEO,
Carolyn Elefant. "It was clear the industry needed a voice in
Washington. Together, our voices have quickly become one unified, and
effective, chorus. Our message has been that ocean energy provides the
greatest potential rewards at the lowest possible cost. We are pleased
that renewable energy technologies-especially ocean renewables-are now
included as part of the solution to our energy security."
