FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2010
Contact: Michael Cox (503) 986-1904
House Committee Supports Investment in Clean Energy Economy
HB 3633 sets forth planning for investments in hydrokinetic energy
SALEM – The House Sustainability and Economic Development Committee today passed HB 3633, which sets forth planning for potential development of hydrokinetic energy. House Democrats are committed to investing in alternative energy technology to make Oregon a center of the growing clean industry while creating high-skill, high-wage jobs.
The bill calls for the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development to commission a study to compile existing information and collect new data that will assist in understanding how renewable energy development will affect local coastal communities. The Territorial Sea Plan Advisory Committee will review the study and make recommendations to the Legislature for further action.
HB 3633 clarifies the state goal for Oregon’s retail electrical load and specifies that by 2025 at least half of Oregon’s eight percent goal must be derived from hydrokinetic energy. These energy sources include tidal energy, ocean thermal energy and wave energy.
“Investments in wave energy could pay huge dividends for the coastal economy,” said Representative Deborah Boone (D-Cannon Beach), the bill’s chief sponsor. “Clean energy from hydrokinetic sources will create good jobs while protecting our coastline from the dangers posed by fossil fuels.”
HB 3633 now moves the Joint Ways and Means Committee for consideration.
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