An agreement between the FERC (Federal Energy Regulation Committee), and the Department of the Interior will minimize the notorious bureaucratic red tape hindering development of offshore renewable resources. The two agencies, which both have jurisdiction over energy development on the outer continental shelf area, will cooperate to develop procedures for permitting the innovative projects.
The FERC has jurisdiction over hydrokinetic power, which harnesses wave and tidal forces in the ocean. Several methods are being studied and evaluated for environmental impacts. The first license distributed by the FERC in December 2007 was for the Makah Bay Offshore Wave Pilot Project, which uses buoys to convert wave power. Few other projects have been approved, because of the large amount of background research needed to pass current federal laws. A new system would undoubtedly increase the number of projects, on the outer continental shelf around the whole country.
The Department of the Interior has jurisdiction over off shore wind power. The most hotly contested project is Cape Wind, which proposes wind turbines off the coast of Nantucket. Complaints from local businesses about the eye-sore slowed down the permitting process. As the NEPA process draws to a close, however, proponents are hopeful for a close construction date. When the Department of Interior creates its permitting method, this process will become easier for other offshore wind projects.
Speeding up the permitting process is very important for the progress of alternative energy. The joint statement states that “our renewable energy is too important for bureaucratic turf battles to slow down our progress.” Offshore renewable energy is a very valuable resource that must be tapped, especially if the country wishes to meet President's Obama’s ambitious goal to double alternative energy output in three years.
Caution should not be forgotten when issuing licenses, however. Background research and public input are vital to projects of this magnitude. The technology is new, and possible adverse effects must be considered. The FERC and Department of the Interior are searching for a happy medium between the current red light and the green lights formerly given to the dirty energy production technologies which created the problem in the first place. The agreement between the two agencies will help ensure that the innovative companies working on these projects can focus on the project itself rather than gaining government approval.
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