Below is a reply from Congressman Keating to me on the subject of tidal power and alternative energy:
From: Representative William Keating
To: Me
May 21, 2015
Dear Mr. Hamilton,
Thank you for contacting me regarding alternative sources of energy. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue, and I welcome the opportunity to respond to your concerns.
The Ninth Congressional District of Massachusetts is known for its natural treasures — from the Cape Cod National Seashore to Buzzards Bay — and it is imperative that they be preserved for future generations. Investing in alternative sources of energy, such as wind, solar, and tidal energy, is essential to ensure that these fragile natural resources are protected.
As you may know, in 2014, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranked Massachusetts as the top state for energy efficiency policies and programs for the fourth year in a row. The Commonwealth has set a goal of developing 2,000MW of wind energy by 2020. In order to achieve this, we must expand our development offshore. To that end, the first auction for lease of two formal wind energy areas off the coast of New England was held by the Bureau of Offshore Energy Management during the summer of 2013. A second auction in January 2015 for the Massachusetts Wind Energy Area south of Martha's Vineyard led to the lease of two areas for wind energy development. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the leased areas have the potential to provide power to over 700,000 residences. This successful auction marked the fifth competitive lease award in the Atlantic Ocean.
Southeastern Massachusetts is prepared to emerge as a leader in the full spectrum of renewable energy cultivation – from design and construction of components to assembly and maintenance, both on and offshore. As a nation, we have an opportunity to become a global leader in our efforts to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and promote these alternative energy sources. By focusing our investments on renewable resources, we not only protect our environment, but we also have the opportunity to support new industries, new jobs and innovative small businesses that are developing natural energy sources.
One of the many steps we can take to begin a shift in our energy policy is eliminating costly and ineffective oil and gas subsidies, and instead putting those resources toward renewable energy research and development. I have consistently supported efforts to eliminate subsidies for Big Oil and invest these savings in promoting clean technologies and building an able workforce. Additionally, we must work to ensure the continuation of the Investment Tax Credit and Production Tax Credit, which is critical to supporting emerging clean energy industries and creating new jobs across the Ninth District.
These alternate energy initiatives affect our local community in a unique way, and I will continue to monitor the progress of alternative sources of energy. While I do not sit on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind should legislation related to this issue come before the full House of Representatives for a vote.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future regarding this or any other matter of concern. Additionally, you may find my website (www.keating.house.gov) to be a useful resource for keeping up with my work in Washington and the Ninth District of Massachusetts. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Sincerely,
Bill Keating
Member of Congress
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