The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) confirmed their intent to work together to facilitate the permitting of renewable energy in offshore waters.
The two agencies have been at odds for years over who is responsible for regulating renewable energy projects in federal waters.
A joint statement issued yesterday by Secretary of the Interior (DOI), Ken Salazar and Acting Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Jon Wellinghoff states that the two agencies are developing a process that clearly defines each agency’s turf.
The statement indicates that the DOI’s Minerals Management Service will take the lead in permitting offshore wind power projects, while FERC will have the responsibility for licensing wave and tidal power.
"Our renewable energy is too important for bureaucratic turf battles to slow down our progress. I am proud that we have reached an agreement with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding our respective roles in approving offshore renewable energy projects. This agreement will help sweep aside red tape so that our country can capture the great power of wave, tidal, wind and solar power off our coasts," Secretary Salazar said.
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Salazar issued a secretarial order making the production, development and delivery of renewable energy a top priority for the DOI.
The order establishes an energy and climate change task force to push this agenda by identifying specific zones on U.S. public lands where Interior can facilitate large-scale production of solar, wind, geothermal and biomass energy.
Salazar said the Department will need to work closely with other federal agencies, states and American Indian tribes to determine what electric transmission corridors are needed to deliver these renewable resources to major population centers.
Read extended New York Times coverage at the link below.
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