[Senate Report 116-141]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 261
116th Congress } { Report
SENATE
1st Session } { 116-141
======================================================================
MARINE ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2019
_______
October 23, 2019.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Ms. Murkowski, from the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 1821]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was
referred the bill (S. 1821) to amend the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 to provide for research on, and the
development and deployment of, marine energy, and for other
purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon
with amendments and recommends that the bill, as amended, do
pass.
Amendments
The amendments are as follows:
On page 6, line 14, strike ``and''.
On page 7, line 2, strike ``abroad.'' and insert ``abroad;
and''.
On page 7, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:
``(14) to assist in the development of technology
necessary to support the use of marine energy--
``(A) for the generation and storage of power
at sea, including in applications relating to--
``(i) ocean observation and
navigation;
``(ii) underwater vehicle charging;
``(iii) marine aquaculture;
``(iv) production of marine algae;
and
``(v) extraction of critical minerals
and gasses from seawater;
``(B) for the generation and storage of power
to promote the resilience of coastal
communities, including in applications relating
to--
``(i) desalination;
``(ii) disaster recovery and
resilience; and
``(iii) community microgrids in
isolated power systems; and
``(C) in any other applications, as
determined by the Secretary.
On page 9, line 17, strike ``$150,000,000'' and insert
``$160,000,000''.
On page 9, after line 18, insert the following:
SEC. 7. STUDY OF ENERGY INNOVATION IN MARINE TRANSPORTATION AND
INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy, in consultation
with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of
Commerce, shall conduct a study to examine opportunities for
research and development in advanced marine energy
technologies--
(1) to support the maritime transportation sector to
enhance job creation, economic development, and
competitiveness;
(2) to support associated maritime energy
infrastructure, including infrastructure that serves
ports, to improve system resilience and disaster
recovery; and
(3) to enable scientific missions at sea and in
extreme environments, including the Arctic.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a report that describes the results of the
study conducted under subsection (a).
Purpose
The purpose of S. 1821 is to amend the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (EISA, Public Law 110-140) to provide
for research on, and the development and deployment of, marine
energy.
Background and Need
Marine energy, as defined in S. 1821, is a form of
hydropower that generates energy from free-flowing waters, such
as waves, currents, estuaries, or tidal areas, as well as from
the free-flowing water in a river, lake, stream, or manmade
channel. Marine energy differs from conventional hydropower in
that it generates electricity without the use of a dam or other
impoundment.
The United States has significant wave, tidal, current, and
in-stream energy resource potential. Marine energy could
provide a renewable, clean source of energy to the nearly 30
percent of the population living in coastline counties.
According to resource assessments in the Department of Energy's
(DOE or Department) 2015 Quadrennial Technology Review, the
total U.S. technical resource potential for marine energy is
1250 to 1850 terawatt-hours of generation per year.
Research and development (R&D) into these technologies is
still in its early stages. The first grid-connected wave energy
technology is located in Hawaii at the Navy's Wave Energy Test
Site, off the coast of Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay,
which is run in collaboration with DOE's Hawaii National Marine
Renewable Energy Center.
In addition, a consortium of universities is developing a
test site to facilitate the advancement of wave energy
converters off the coast of Newport, Oregon, as part of DOE's
Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center. The project
consists of two sites--PacWave North, located in State waters,
and PacWave South, located in Federal waters. Oregon State
University submitted a final license application to the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission on May 30, 2019, for the PacWave
South facility.
S. 1821 is intended to help commercialize marine energy
technologies through an R&D program to accelerate the role of
marine energy production in domestic energy supply and the
establishment of National Marine Energy Centers, which advance
research, development, and demonstration of marine energy
technologies.
Legislative History
S. 1821 was introduced by Senator Wyden, for himself and
Senators Merkley, King, Schatz, and Reed, on June 12, 2019.
Senator Hirono was later added as a cosponsor. The Subcommittee
on Energy held a hearing on the measure on September 11, 2019.
Companion legislation, H.R. 3203, was introduced in the
House of Representatives by Representative Deutch (D-FL) on
June 11, 2019, and referred to the Science, Space, and
Technology Committee.
During the 115th Congress, Senator Wyden introduced similar
legislation, S. 1036, on May 3, 2017. Senators Hirono, King,
Merkley, Schatz, and Reed were cosponsors. Similar language was
included in S. 1460, the Energy and Natural Resources Act of
2017. S. 1460 was introduced by Senators Murkowski and Cantwell
on June 28, 2017, and placed directly on the Legislative
Calendar (Cal. 162).
During the 114th Congress, Senator Wyden introduced similar
legislation, S. 1058, for himself and Senators King, Merkley,
and Schatz, on April 22, 2015. The Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources held a hearing on the bill on May 19, 2015
(S. Hrg. 114-118). A similar measure was included in S. 2012,
the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016. An original bill,
S. 2012 was reported by the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources on July 30, 2015, and passed by the Senate, as
amended, on April 26, 2016, by a vote of 85-12.
Companion legislation, H.R. 2220, was introduced in the
House of Representatives by Representative Deutch (D-FL) on May
1, 2015, and referred to the Science, Space, and Technology
Committee.
During the 113th Congress, Senators Wyden and Murkowski
introduced similar legislation, S. 1419. Senators King,
Merkley, and Schatz were later added as cosponsors. On August
1, 2013, the Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on
the bill on February 27, 2014 (S. Hrg. 113-284), and the
measure was reported from the Energy and Natural Resources
Committee on November 13, 2014 (S. Rept. 113-294).
Companion legislation, H.R. 5335, was introduced in the
House of Representatives by Representative Deutch on July 31,
2014, and referred to the Science, Space, and Technology
Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee.
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources met in
open business session on September 25, 2019, and ordered S.
1821 favorably reported, as amended.
Committee Recommendation
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in
open business session on September 25, 2019, by a majority
voice vote of a quorum present, recommends that the Senate pass
S. 1821, if amended as described herein. Senators Barrasso,
Risch, and Lee asked to be recorded as voting no.
Committee Amendments
During its consideration of S. 1821, the Committee adopted
several amendments. The amendments add generation and storage
of power at sea as an authorized activity for the marine energy
R&D program at DOE, and requires the Secretary of Energy
(Secretary) to conduct a study to examine the opportunities for
research on maritime energy and transportation infrastructure.
An amendment was also adopted to increase the authorization
amount for fiscal years (FYs) 2020 and 2021 from $150 million
to $160 million.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1. Short title
Section 1 sets forth the short title of the bill.
Section 2. Purpose
Section 2 states that the bill's purpose is to support
marine energy programs that promote R&D of increased marine
energy at reduced costs and improved environmental outcomes, as
well as grid stability and job creation.
Section 3. Definition of marine energy
Section 3 amends section 632 of EISA to replace the defined
term ``marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy'' with a new
definition of ``marine energy.'' It also makes conforming
changes to EISA.
Section 4. Marine energy research and development
Section 4 amends section 633 of EISA to replace the
existing marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy R&D program
with the new marine energy R&D program.
The revised subsection 633(a) directs the Secretary, acting
through the Director of the Water Power Technologies Office, to
carry out a program to accelerate marine energy production in
the U.S. energy supply. The subsection specifies that the
program shall also foster research, development, demonstration,
and commercial application of technology, including programs to
accomplish the following: (1) assist technology development to
improve the components, processes, and systems used for power
generation from marine energy resources; (2) establish and
expand testing of marine energy devices; (3) participate in
marine energy demonstration projects; (4) investigate the
efficient and reliable integration of marine energy with the
electric grid; (5) create a sustainable marine energy supply
chain; (6) increase the reliability and survivability of marine
energy technologies; (7) verify new marine energy device
designs and system components; (8) consider the protection of
critical infrastructure; (9) coordinate with other Department
offices, Federal agencies, and industry; (10) identify
opportunities for joint R&D programs; (11) identify
environmental impacts; (12) identify navigational impacts; (13)
support in-water technology development with international
partners; and (14) assist in developing technology to support
generation and storage of power at sea and power to promote the
resilience of coastal communities.
The revised subsection 633(b) requires the Secretary to
carry out the program in accordance with the cost sharing
requirements of sections 988 and 989 of the Energy Policy Act
of 2005 (EPAct '05, Public Law 109-58).
Section 5. National marine energy centers
Section 5 amends section 634 of EISA to authorize the
Secretary to establish National Marine Energy Centers
(Centers).
The revised section 634(a) directs the Secretary to award
grants to institutions of higher education to maintain existing
Centers and establish new Centers. This section further
specifies criteria for the Secretary to consider in selecting
locations for new Centers, including hosting an existing marine
energy R&D program in coordination with an engineering program
and having access to marine resources.
The revised section 634(b) states that the Centers will
coordinate with the Department, the National Laboratories, and
other Centers to advance research, development, and
demonstration of marine energy technologies, support testing of
such technologies, and disseminate information on best
practices for marine energy resources.
The revised subsection 634(c) requires the Secretary to
carry out the program in accordance with the cost sharing
requirements of section 988(b)(4) of EPAct '05.
Section 6. Authorization of appropriations
Section 6 amends section 636 of EISA to authorize $160
million for each of FYs 2020 and 2021 to carry out the
activities in this bill.
Section 7. Study of energy innovation in marine transportation and
infrastructure resilience
Section 7(a) directs the Secretary, in consultation with
the Secretaries of Transportation and Commerce, to conduct a
study to examine opportunities for R&D in advanced marine
energy technologies to enhance economic development, support
infrastructure development, and enable scientific missions at
sea and in extreme environments.
Section 7(b) requires the Secretary to submit a report to
the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House
Science, Space, and Technology Committee describing the results
of the study within one year of enactment.
Cost and Budgetary Considerations
The following estimate of the costs of this measure has
been provided by the Congressional Budget Office:
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
S. 1821 would reauthorize a Department of Energy (DOE)
program aimed at accelerating the introduction of marine energy
into the U.S. energy supply and fostering the research,
development, and testing of marine energy technologies. Sources
of marine energy include energy from waves, tides, currents,
free-flowing hydrokinetic water, and differentials in ocean
temperature. The bill also would expand a DOE-sponsored grant
program that provides funding to institutions of higher
education for performing research, development, and testing
activities at National Marine Energy Centers. For those
programs, S. 1821 would authorize the appropriation of $160
million annually for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. In 2019 the
Congress appropriated $70 million to research marine and
hydrokinetic technologies.
Based on historical spending for similar activities, and
assuming the appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO
estimates that implementing S. 1821 would cost $299 million
over the 2020-2024 period and $21 million after 2024. The costs
of the legislation (detailed in Table 1) would fall within
budget function 270 (energy).
TABLE 1.--ESTIMATED INCREASES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION UNDER S. 1821
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, millions of dollars--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2020-2024 2020-2029
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorization............................................... 160 160 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 320 320
Estimated Outlays........................................... 32 80 88 64 35 16 5 0 0 0 299 320
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aaron Krupkin.
The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy
Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.
Regulatory Impact Evaluation
In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following
evaluation of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in
carrying out S. 1821. The bill is not a regulatory measure in
the sense of imposing Government-established standards or
significant economic responsibilities on private individuals
and businesses.
No personal information would be collected in administering
the program. Therefore, there would be no impact on personal
privacy.
Little, if any, additional paperwork would result from the
enactment of S. 1821, as ordered reported.
Congressionally Directed Spending
S. 1821, as ordered reported, does not contain any
congressionally directed spending items, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits as defined in rule XLIV of the
Standing Rules of the Senate.
Executive Communications
The testimony provided by the Department of Energy at the
September 11, 2019, hearing on S. 1821 follows:
Testimony of Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes, U.S. Department
of Energy
introduction
Chairman Cassidy, Ranking Member Heinrich, and Members of
the Subcommittee, it is a privilege and an honor to serve at
the Department of Energy (DOE or the Department), which is
tasked with, among other important responsibilities: overseeing
the Nation's nuclear energy research and development programs;
creating and sustaining American leadership in the transition
to a global clean energy economy; working effectively with the
States on our Nation's energy challenges; and supporting our
current, and developing our Nation's future, energy workforce.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on behalf of the
Department regarding legislation pertinent to DOE that is now
pending in the Senate.
I have been asked to testify on nine (9) bills today. The
Administration continues to review all of these bills. I
appreciate the ongoing bipartisan efforts to address our
Nation's energy challenges and I look forward to working with
the Committee.
energy efficiency and renewable energy
The mission of DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy (EERE) is to create and sustain American
leadership in the transition to a global clean energy economy.
EERE has, among other strategic goals, the aim of: improving
the energy efficiency of our nation's homes, buildings, and
industries; stimulating the growth of a thriving domestic clean
energy manufacturing industry; and increasing the generation of
electric power from renewable sources.
S. 1821--Marine Energy Research and Development Act
As the bill indicates, the Water Power Technologies Office
(WPTO) involves the Department's program to accelerate the
introduction of marine renewable energy production into the
U.S. energy supply. The program's work in marine renewable
energy focuses on addressing scientific and engineering
challenges that facilitate breakthroughs that have broad,
industry-wide benefits. WPTO has developed strategic
partnerships across the industry and into other scientific,
engineering, and industrial disciplines to leverage and focus
resources on long-term marine renewable energy goals.
The makes provision for National Marine (Renewable) Energy
Centers. The program works closely with the three existing
National Marine Renewable Energy Centers (Pacific Marine Energy
Center, Hawaii National Marine Renewable Energy Center, and
Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center) and will
continue to expand research, development, and testing
activities for marine renewable energy.
The Department will continue to review the legislation and
looks forward to working with Congress as the legislative
process moves forward. At this time, the Department would like
to offer one technical adjustment: The marine renewable energy
industry uses the term ``marine renewable energy'' (MRE) as
opposed to ``marine energy.'' The Department recommends using
the term ``marine renewable energy'' for consistency purposes.
conclusion
Thank you again for the opportunity to be here today. The
Department appreciates the ongoing bipartisan efforts to
address our Nation's energy challenges, and looks forward to
working with the Committee on the legislation on today's agenda
and any future legislation. I would be happy to answer your
questions.
Changes in Existing Law
In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the changes in existing law made
by S. 1821, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT OF 2007
Public Law 110-140, as Amended
* * * * * * *
TITLE VI--ACCELERATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
* * * * * * *
Subtitle C--Marine [and Hydrokinetic Renewable] Energy Technologies
SEC. 631. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Marine [and
Hydrokinetic Renewable] Energy Research and Development Act''.
[SEC. 632. DEFINITION.
[For purposes of this subtitle, the term ``marine and
hydrokinetic renewable energy'' means electrical energy from--
[(1) waves, tides, and currents in oceans, estuaries,
and tidal areas;
[(2) free flowing water in rivers, lakes, and
streams;
[(3) free flowing water in man-made channels; and
[(4) differentials in ocean temperature (ocean
thermal energy conversion).
[The term ``marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy'' does
not include energy from any source that uses a dam,
diversionary structure, or impoundment for electric power
purposes.]
SEC. 632. DEFINITION OF MARINE ENERGY.
In this subtitle, the term ``marine energy'' means energy
from--
(1) waves, tides, and currents in oceans, estuaries,
and tidal areas;
(2) free-flowing hydrokinetic water in rivers, lakes,
and streams;
(3) free-flowing hydrokinetic water in man-made
channels; and
(4) differentials in ocean temperature or ocean
thermal energy conversion.
[SEC. 633. MARINE AND HYDROKINETIC RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
[(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce, acting
through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere, shall establish a program of research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application to expand marine and
hydrokinetic renewable energy production, including programs
to--
[(1) study and compare existing marine and
hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies;
[(2) research, develop, and demonstrate marine and
hydrokinetic renewable energy systems and technologies;
[(3) reduce the manufacturing and operation costs of
marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies;
[(4) investigate efficient and reliable integration
with the utility grid and intermittency issues;
[(5) advance wave forecasting technologies;
[(6) conduct experimental and numerical modeling for
optimization of marine energy conversion devices and
arrays;
[(7) increase the reliability and survivability of
marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies,
including development of corrosive-resistant materials;
[(8) identify, in conjunction with the Secretary of
Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and other Federal
agencies as appropriate, the potential environmental
impacts, including potential impacts on fisheries and
other marine resources, of marine and hydrokinetic
renewable energy technologies, measures to prevent
adverse impacts, and technologies and other means
available for monitoring and determining environmental
impacts;
[(9) identify, in conjunction with the Secretary of
the Department in which the United States Coast Guard
is operating, acting through the Commandant of the
United States Coast Guard, the potential navigational
impacts of marine andhydrokinetic renewable energy
technologies and measures to prevent adverse impacts on
navigation;
[(10) develop power measurement standards for marine
and hydrokinetic renewable energy;
[(11) develop identification standards for marine and
hydrokinetic renewable energy devices;
[(12) address standards development, demonstration,
and technology transfer for advanced systems
engineering and system integration methods to identify
critical interfaces;
[(13) identifying opportunities for cross
fertilization and development of economies of scale
between other renewable sources and marine and
hydrokinetic renewable energy sources; and
[(14) providing public information and opportunity
for public comment concerning all technologies.
[(b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in conjunction with the
Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Undersecretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and the Secretary of the
Interior, shall provide to the Congress a report that
addresses--
[(1) the potential environmental impacts, including
impacts to fisheries and marine resources, of marine
and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies;
[(2) options to prevent adverse environmental
impacts;
[(3) the potential role of monitoring and adaptive
management in identifying and addressing any adverse
environmental impacts; and
[(4) the necessary components of such an adaptive
management program.]
SEC. 633. MARINE ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director
of the Water Power Technologies Office, in consultation with
the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, shall carry out a
program to accelerate the introduction of marine energy
production into the United States energy supply, giving
priority to technologies most likely to lead to commercial
utilization, while fostering accelerated research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application of technology,
including programs--
(1) to assist technology development on a variety of
scales, including full-scale prototypes, to improve the
components, processes, and systems used for power
generation from marine energy resources;
(2) to establish and expand critical testing
infrastructure and facilities necessary--
(A) to cost-effectively and efficiently test
and prove marine energy devices; and
(B) to accelerate the technological readiness
and commercialization of those devices;
(3) to support efforts to increase the efficiency of
energy conversion, lower the cost, increase the use,
improve the reliability, and demonstrate the
applicability of marine energy technologies by
participating in demonstration projects;
(4) to investigate variability issues and the
efficient and reliable integration of marine energy
with the utility grid;
(5) to identify and study critical short- and long-
term needs to create a sustainable marine energy supply
chain based in the United States;
(6) to increase the reliability and survivability of
marine energy technologies;
(7) to verify the performance, reliability,
maintainability, and cost of new marine energy device
designs and system components in an operating
environment;
(8) to consider the protection of critical
infrastructure, such as adequate separation between
marine energy devices and projects and submarine
telecommunications cables, including consideration of
established industry standards;
(9)(A) to coordinate the programs carried out under
this section with, and avoid duplication of activities
across, programs of the Department and other applicable
Federal agencies, including National Laboratories; and
(B) to coordinate public-private collaboration in
carrying out the programs under this section;
(10) to identify opportunities for joint research and
development programs and the development of economies
of scale between--
(A) marine energy technologies; and
(B) other renewable energy and fossil energy
programs, offshore oil and gas production
activities, and activities of the Department of
Defense;
(11) to identify, in conjunction with the Secretary
of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and other relevant
Federal agencies as appropriate, the potential
environmental impacts, including potential impacts on
fisheries and other marine resources, of marine energy
technologies, measures to prevent adverse impacts, and
technologies and other means available for monitoring
and determining environmental impacts;
(12) to identify, in conjunction with the Secretary
of the Department in which the United States Coast
Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant of
the United States Coast Guard, the potential
navigational impacts of marine energy technologies and
measures to prevent adverse impacts on navigation;
(13) to support in-water technology development with
international partners using existing cooperative
procedures (including memoranda of understanding)--
(A) to allow cooperative funding and other
support of value to be exchanged and leveraged;
and
(B) to encourage international research
centers and international companies to
participate in the development of marine energy
technology in the United States and to
encourage United States research centers and
companies to participate in marine energy
projects abroad; and
(14) to assist in the development of technology
necessary to support the use of marine energy--
(A) for the generation and storage of power
at sea, including in applications relating to--
(i) ocean observation and navigation;
(ii) underwater vehicle charging;
(iii) marine aquaculture;
(iv) production of marine algae; and
(v) extraction of critical minerals
and gasses from seawater;
(B) for the generation and storage of power
to promote the resilience of coastal
communities, including in applications relating
to--
(i) desalination;
(ii) disaster recovery and
resilience;
(iii) community microgrids in
isolated power systems; and
(C) in any other applications, as determined
by the Secretary.
(b) Cost Sharing and Merit Review.--The Secretary shall
carry out the program under this section in accordance with
sections 988 and 989 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16352, 16353).
SEC. 634. NATIONAL MARINE [RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND
DEMONSTRATION] ENERGY CENTERS.
[(a) Centers.--The Secretary shall award grants to
institutions of higher education (or consortia thereof) for the
establishment of 1 or more National Marine Renewable Energy
Research, Development, and Demonstration Centers. In selecting
locations for Centers, the Secretary shall consider sites that
meet one of the following criteria:
[(1) Hosts an existing marine renewable energy
research and development program in coordination with
an engineering program at an institution of higher
education.
[(2) Has proven expertise to support environmental
and policy-related issues associated with harnessing of
energy in the marine environment.
[(3) Has access to and utilizes the marine resources
in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, or the
Pacific Ocean. The Secretary may give special
consideration to historically black colleges and
universities and land grant universities that also meet
one of these criteria. In establishing criteria for the
selection of the Centers, the Secretary shall consult
with the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere,
on the criteria related to ocean waves, tides, and
currents including those for advancing wave forecasting
technologies, ocean temperature differences, and
studying the compatibility of marine renewable energy
technologies and systems with the environment,
fisheries, and other marine resources.
[(b) Purposes.--The Centers shall advance research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application of
marine renewable energy, and shall serve as an information
clearinghouse for the marine renewable energy industry,
collecting and disseminating information on best practices in
all areas related to developing and managing enhanced marine
renewable energy systems resources.]
(a) Centers.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to
institutions of higher education for
(A) the continuation and expansion of
research, development, and testing activities
at National Marine Energy Centers established
as of January 1, 2019; and
(B) the establishment of new National Marine
Energy Centers.
(2) Criteria.--In selecting locations for new
National Marine Energy Centers to be established under
paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall consider sites
that meet one of the following criteria:
(A) The new Center hosts an existing marine
energy research and development program in
coordination with an engineering program at an
institution of higher education.
(B) The new Center has proven expertise to
support environmental and policy-related issues
associated with the harnessing of energy in the
marine environment.
(C) The new Center has access to and uses
marine resources.
(b) Purposes.--The National Marine Energy Centers shall
coordinate with other National Marine Energy Centers, the
Department, and the National Laboratories--
(1) to advance research, development, and
demonstration of marine energy technologies;
(2) to support in-water testing and demonstration of
marine energy technologies, including facilities
capable of testing--
(A) marine energy systems of various
technology readiness levels and scales;
(B) a variety of technologies in multiple
test berths at a single location; and
(C) arrays of technology devices; and
(3) to serve as information clearinghouses for the
marine energy industry by collecting and disseminating
information on best practices in all areas relating to
developing and managing marine energy resources and
energy systems.
(c) Cost Sharing.--The Secretary shall carry out the
program under this section in accordance with section 988(b)(4)
of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352(b)(4)).
[(c)] (d) Demonstration of Need.--When applying for a grant
under this section, an applicant shall include a description of
why Federal support is necessary for the Center, including
evidence that the research of the Center will not be conducted
in the absence of Federal support.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 636. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to
carry out this subtitle [$50,000,000 for each of the fiscal
years 2008 through 2012] $160,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2020 and 2021, except that no funds shall be appropriated under
this section for activities that are receiving funds under
section 931(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16231(a)(2)(E)(i)).
* * * * * * *
[all]