The Energy Bill Passes - and Ocean Renewables Gain Recognition!

Here's our Press Release on the Energy Policy Act, passed by the House and Senate last week.  A section by section analysis and copy of the bill is available in the preceding post:

(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."