The Act could authorise US$250 million for marine renewable research, development, demonstration and deployment; a device verification programme; and an adaptive management programme to fund environmental studies associated with marine renewable energy projects.

“The Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition (OREC) supports the legislation introduced in the House of Representatives and US Senate. We believe that in order to capture the energy, economic, and environmental benefits of utilising our vast marine-based renewable resources, it will require additional federal support for research and development, along with much needed environmental studies and tax treatment on par with other renewable technologies,” says Sean O’Neill, OREC’s President. “This legislation moves our nation closer to a clean energy future.”