Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act

Bill Number: H.R. 5692
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Energy
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-10-06: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-05-20T08:07:45Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act aims to boost the United States' leadership in marine energy technologies—such as wave, tidal, and ocean current power—by providing funding, research, and support to develop and deploy these renewable energy sources. It seeks to enhance energy independence, reduce environmental impacts, and create economic opportunities while integrating marine energy into existing power systems.

Key Provisions

The bill establishes a Marine Energy Acceleration Fund with $1,000,000,000 authorized for appropriation, to be managed by the Secretary of Energy (head of the Department of Energy, or DOE). Funds are allocated across several initiatives:

Marine Energy Demonstration Projects ($600,000,000):

Requires competitive selection of at least 20 projects that connect marine energy to microgrids (small local power networks), community grids, or large utility grids. Priorities include projects that use existing transmission lines or structures, test prototypes in open water, support energy resilience in rural, remote, Tribal, or low-income areas, and power ocean research, education, national security, or commercial activities. Coordination with National Marine Energy Centers (regional hubs for marine energy research) is encouraged.

Advancement of Marine Energy Technologies ($250,000,000 total):
$230,000,000 for research and development (R&D) projects to improve efficiency, cut costs, boost power output, and enhance reliability of marine energy systems, components, and manufacturing. Focus on domestic supply chains and energy independence.
$20,000,000 for education and outreach through National Marine Energy Centers to inform the public, policymakers, investors, and communities about marine energy benefits and address local concerns. Also supports technologies to monitor and reduce impacts on marine ecosystems.

Assessment of Technical Resource Potential ($50,000,000):

Directs DOE, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), and others, to evaluate marine energy potential at least 50 sites with high resource viability. Includes detailed site characterizations, environmental monitoring to mitigate risks and conflicts with other ocean users, geographic diversity across U.S. regions, and data sharing with public repositories. Results will guide demonstration project locations.

Improvement of Permitting ($15,000,000 total):
$5,000,000 each to DOE, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC, which oversees energy infrastructure approvals), and BOEM (which manages offshore energy leases).

Requires a task force with federal and state agencies to identify permitting barriers (e.g., delays in licensing marine projects) and recommend fixes, such as streamlined processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, a law requiring environmental impact reviews). The task force must consult stakeholders, assess staffing needs for faster reviews, coordinate with states, and deliver a report to Congress within one year.

Workforce Development ($85,000,000):

Mandates a national assessment within two years of enactment on marine energy job needs and education pathways. Follows with programs in partnership with National Marine Energy Centers, industry, universities, labor unions, non-profits, and vocational training. Prioritizes communities near demonstration projects to build local skills.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill builds on the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 by defining and expanding marine energy programs, but introduces major new elements:

A dedicated $1 billion fund, absent in prior law, to centralize and scale up funding for demonstrations, R&D, assessments, permitting, and workforce efforts.
Mandates specific numbers of projects (e.g., 20 demonstrations, 50 site assessments) and timelines (e.g., one-year permitting report, two-year workforce assessment), which were not previously required.
Enhances coordination among agencies like DOE, NOAA, BOEM, and FERC, and emphasizes equity for underserved communities, which goes beyond existing marine energy provisions by integrating social and environmental priorities.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: DOE gains significant funding and leadership role in marine energy, requiring new administrative efforts for solicitations, partnerships, and reporting. Other agencies (e.g., NOAA for ocean data, FERC and BOEM for approvals) face increased coordination and potential staffing needs, potentially streamlining future energy permitting but adding short-term workload.
Citizens: Could improve energy access and resilience in remote, rural, Tribal, and low-income areas through reliable, clean power. Creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, and research, fostering economic growth in coastal regions. Environmental monitoring may reduce risks to marine life and coastal communities.
International Relations: Strengthens U.S. competitiveness in global renewable energy markets by promoting domestic innovation and supply chains, potentially positioning the U.S. as a leader in exporting marine energy tech and reducing reliance on foreign energy sources.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Agencies: DOE (primary implementer), NOAA, BOEM, FERC, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (for permitting).
Industry and Research Entities: Marine energy companies, National Marine Energy Centers, National Laboratories, non-profits, and universities involved in R&D and demonstrations.
Communities and Workers: Rural, remote, Tribal, and low-income groups benefiting from projects and workforce programs; labor unions and vocational educators supporting job training.
States and Local Governments: Coastal states and territories involved in permitting coordination and local project approvals.
Environmental and Public Interest Groups: Stakeholders consulted on ecosystem impacts, public education, and NEPA-compliant processes.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces NEPA by requiring environmental reviews in permitting improvements and monitoring, ensuring projects balance development with ecosystem protection. No new regulatory burdens are imposed without congressional oversight, and data-sharing promotes transparency.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority over energy policy and interstate commerce; emphasizes federal-state coordination without overriding state rights. Equity focus for underserved communities supports equal protection principles.
Political: Bipartisan potential in advancing clean energy and jobs, but may spark debates on federal spending ($1 billion authorization) and offshore development's environmental trade-offs. Referral to multiple committees (Science, Energy, Natural Resources, Education) indicates broad jurisdictional interest, likely requiring compromise for passage.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]

Recent Actions

2025-10-06: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-10-06: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-10-06: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-10-06: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-10-06: Introduced in House
2025-10-06: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act — issued 2025-10-06 — PDF (10 pages)