Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s request for investments in wind & tidal power included

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today voted in support of the final version of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, which passed the House by a vote of 308-114.  The Act included Pingree’s requests for $6.25 million in federal investments in clean energy for the state of Maine.

“Maine is poised to become a leader in clean energy,” Pingree said.  “It’s critical that we make these investments now to help develop the clean energy industry in our state.  This is an industry that will create good paying jobs right here in Maine that can’t be exported.  And it’s a home-grown solution to our energy problems.”

The legislation passed today includes the following funding, requested by Pingree:

•    $5 million for the Maine Offshore Wind Initiative at the University of Maine, to help develop the offshore wind industry in Maine.

•    $250,000 for the Next Generation Composite Wind Blade Manufacturing Technologies at the University of Maine.   UM has become a leader in wind blade technology, and this investment will help advance its research.

•    $1 million for research on Environmental Impact Protocols for Tidal Power at the University of Maine.  This research will help establish standards for developing tidal power in Maine and around the country.

“Maine has some of the best wind and tidal resources in the United States,” Pingree said.  “And we have the people and the ingenuity to take advantage of these resources and become a world leader.  The Governor’s trade mission to Europe last week will give these efforts a boost and the funding we passed in the House today will provide much needed funding to this developing industry.”

This legislation now moves to the Senate where passage is expected.  Once this bill is approved by the Senate, it will be sent on to the President to be signed into law.