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Puget Sound area lawmaker files bill to boost marine power

25 April 2007

There is an abundant source of clean energy in U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee’s district and he wants to tap into it.  The Seattle-area congressman hopes to harness the vast power of water in Puget Sound and other coastal areas to meet energy demands and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions that contribute to global warming.

Today he filed the Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act, H.R. 2036, which would level the playing field for marine-power generators by providing loans for the development of new technologies and extending renewable energy tax credits to such utilities.  It also would pump $50 million a year into marine-energy research for 10 years to help overcome hurdles such as integrating power generated into the grid and creating infrastructure than can survive in harsh marine environments.

“As someone who grew up kayaking, boating and fishing on Puget Sound, I’ve felt the enormous force of water and can see its tremendous potential as a source of energy,” said Inslee, who participated in a hearing yesterday on renewable energy opportunities in a joint session of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans and the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.  He serves on the resources panel, as well as the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

At the hearing, President Sean O’Neill of the Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition spoke in support of Inslee’s efforts, “For the first time in over 20 years, marine renewable energy was acknowledged by the House of Representatives in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 because of Congressman Jay Inslee’s leadership.  He continues to promote and support this industry’s endeavors and the introduction of this bill carries forward his leadership and commitment to our environment, sustainable energy, and our quality of life.”

Even environmental groups support Inslee’s approach on marine power.  “One of the biggest unknowns about hydrokinetic energy is the environmental impact.  Congressman Inslee’s bill will start to answer this question.  We commend him for his leadership to expand our knowledge of these technologies,” said Robbin Marks, senior director of conservation programs at American Rivers.

Parts of Inslee’s congressional district are served by Snohomish County Public Utility District (SnoPUD), which currently is studying the feasibility of developing tidal power in Puget Sound.  The utility estimates that 1600 turbines in seven locations could generate enough electricity for 60,000 homes.

“We applaud Rep. Inslee’s forward-thinking in supporting research of these innovative technologies,” said SnoPUD General Manager Steve Klein. “Tidal energy is a promising, emission-free resource that’s abundant locally and provides a means to diversify our regional energy supplies.”

“We’ll need a range of new technologies to supply our energy needs in a carbon-constrained world,” added Inslee.  “Marine power will be an important part of the clean-energy mix.”

Click here to read Inslee's bill.