Monday 5 August 2024

America to spend $1bn on marine technologies

American congresswomen Suzanne Bonamici and Nanette Barragán have introduced new legislation called the Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act to invest $1 billion (£779 million) in marine technologies.

The legislation would provide the Department of Energy’s Waterpower Technologies Office with public funds for demonstration projects, research and development.

This will include detailed resource potential mapping, workforce development and more efficient permitting processes.

Congresswoman Barragán said: 'Nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population lives in coastal communities where marine energy resources are abundant and offer tremendous potential to power our communities with clean, renewable energy, including California.

'With the Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act, we can usher in an emerging clean energy resource to help our nation and our communities meet clean energy and decarbonisation goals, reduce pollution and create high-paying jobs.'

The congresswomen believe that a rapid increase in federal spending is necessary for the country to reach its climate goals.

Representative Bonamici added: 'The scale of the climate crisis requires us to use every possible approach to rapidly transition to a clean energy economy. Marine energy has the potential to tap into the immense power of the ocean but the industry’s progress has been hampered by inconsistent and limited federal investment.'