Wind and solar energy have long been leading sources of renewable power, transforming the landscape of sustainable energy with their significant advancements and relatively widespread adoption.
If passed, a $1 billion marine energy bill currently under consideration in the House of Representatives could elevate marine energy to a similar level of prominence and effectiveness (and beyond). This legislation has the potential to provide a substantial boost to marine energy technologies, enabling them to compete on equal footing with established and important renewable sources like wind and solar power.
Proposing the Act
According to CleanTechnica, the Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act was introduced by House representatives from California and Oregon.
This bill aims to accelerate the development and use of marine energy technologies. This reflects the commitment of these states to advancing innovative renewable energy solutions.
The Advantages of Marine Energy
Researchers highlight several advantages of marine energy compared to solar and wind power. Unlike solar energy—which depends on the availability of sunlight—marine energy benefits from the perpetual motion of the ocean around the globe. This continuous movement provides a more reliable and consistent energy source.
Additionally, marine energy faces less public resistance than wind power. While wind turbines often encounter criticism for their visual impact on landscapes, marine energy systems are situated either just above or below the water’s surface. This positioning makes them significantly less obtrusive and less likely to disrupt the visual aesthetics of their surroundings.
Marine Energy Research
Extensive research is currently underway to explore and harness the potential of marine energy. One notable example is a wave energy test site established at a US military facility in Hawaii, which has been operational since 2010. This facility serves as a critical testing ground for developing and refining wave energy technologies.
In addition to the efforts in Hawaii, Oregon has recently launched its own open-water test site. This new site aims to further advance marine energy research by providing a real-world environment to evaluate and improve marine energy systems. Both locations have helped to better understand and optimize sustainable marine energy.
The TEAMER Initiative and Island Communities
The US Department of Energy has further supported the advancement of marine energy through the TEAMER initiative. This initiative not only facilitates critical research but also provides educational opportunities and job creation for local communities involved in the program.
Specialized research is also being conducted to address the unique needs of island communities. For example, the Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan is actively exploring how marine energy technologies can be tailored to benefit isolated and island regions.
Sustainable Energy on Islands
Remote communities often prioritize factors beyond just the cost of energy, considering sustainability and environmental impact as key concerns.
Renewable energy sources, such as marine energy, offer significant benefits for these areas by providing a more sustainable solution that reduces dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, marine energy systems can enhance the quality of life in these communities by minimizing noise pollution and eliminating harmful gas emissions, leading to a cleaner and quieter environment.
The Benefits of Clean Energy
The benefits of transitioning away from fossil fuels and relying more heavily on sustainable energy practices extend beyond just environmental improvements. This change can also have significantly positive public health implications.
For instance, a study conducted after the closure of a coal plant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania revealed a remarkable 42% decrease in emergency-room visits. This reduction highlights how removing a major source of air pollution can lead to substantial health benefits for the community.
What You Can Do to Support the Bill
The Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act represents a significant advancement in funding and developing marine energy technologies. However, the bill has not yet passed and still requires legislative approval to move forward.
To ensure that such important legislation progresses, voting for pro-environment candidates in elections is essential. Additionally, actively engaging with your representatives by expressing your support for this bill and similar initiatives can help drive legislative action and increase the likelihood of their successful passage. Your involvement can make a crucial difference in advancing the transition to sustainable energy solutions.
The Importance of Marine Energy
In a recent press release, California Representative Nanette Barragán explained why the Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act is important to her, the state of California, and the United States as a whole.
“Nearly 40 percent of the US population lives in coastal communities where marine energy resources are abundant and offer tremendous potential to power our communities with clean, renewable energy,” Barragán stated.
In Conclusion
The Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act is a plan to make a large impact on renewable energy science by prioritizing the development of marine energy. Should it pass, this bill will not only advance marine energy technologies but also position them as competitive players alongside other renewable sources like wind and solar power. This could lead to a future of diverse clean energy.
Harnessing the benefits of this groundbreaking technology requires concerted efforts from both lawmakers and the public. By supporting pro-environment candidates and engaging with representatives to advocate for this and similar initiatives, individuals can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable energy. Scientists and the public can work together to create a more sustainable tomorrow.
