California State Senate has unanimously passed a wave and tidal energy bill.
California Senate Bill 605 – Wave and Tidal Energy (SB 605) was unanimously approved in three separate policy committees: the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee; the Natural Resources and Water Committee; and the Appropriations Committee.
The bill now moves to the State Assembly for consideration.
The legislative initiative directs the California Energy Commission to work with the relevant California state agencies to study the feasibility and potential for wave and tidal energy development in California and sets deadlines to report its findings to the California Legislature and Governor.
“I’m extremely pleased that California is moving fast to implement this historic legislation that will bring wave energy to California,” said Inna Braverman, Founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power.
“”Wave energy is the largest untapped source of clean energy, and its widespread implementation in California will have a large positive impact – both environmentally and economically, as it will create a steady stream of clean jobs through manufacturing, transportation, construction, engineering, and other areas.”
The bill aims to put California on the path to developing a new source of clean, renewable energy that will help the state meet its carbon-free targets while bolstering its grid.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that wave and tidal energy has the technical feasibility to supply 30% of the United States’ energy needs.
SB 605 recognises the vast potential and benefits that wave energy provides, stating that if developed and deployed at scale, wave and tidal energy can provide both economic and environmental benefits to the state and the United States.
The bill has received support from a broad coalition of businesses, environmental organisations, and economic development groups, who realise the potential of wave energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in coastal communities.
SB 605 is the second bill introduced in the United States focusing on exploring wave energy technology in recent years.
In March 2022, New Jersey Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak introduced legislation that would require the state of New Jersey to add wave energy to New Jersey’s energy master plan and provide funding for feasibility studies and pilot programs.
The bill is in the New Jersey State Senate Environment & Energy Committee.