Senate introduces bill to reauthorize marine renewable energy programs

Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. Senate seeks to increase domestic production of renewable energy from the natural power in ocean waves, tides, and currents.

The Marine Energy Research and Development Act would reauthorize marine renewable energy programs at the Department of Energy (DOE). It also directs the DOE to research ways to build a stable marine energy supply chain in the United States.

“Maine’s coastline helps power our economy and our communities – why shouldn’t it also help power our electric grid?” Sen. Angus King (I-ME), one of the bill’s sponsors, said. “Maine has abundant marine resources that can be used to create clean, renewable energy and reduce our reliance on dirty fuels that harm our environment. This legislation takes an important step forward to develop the energies of the future, which will reduce both emissions and costs to consumers.”

King is also the lead sponsor on the Next Generation Grid Resources and Infrastructure Development (GRID) Act to leverage federal resources to support a more resilient and modern electric grid.

He is also a leader in combatting climate change. At an Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing in May, King emphasized the importance of global collaboration to respond to the threats of climate change effectively. In April, he published a column on the steps America must take to respond to the challenges of climate change.