They say that the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Somewhat analogously (though not a perfect fit), the best way to figuring out an agency’s intentions is through its budget. So it was with great interest that I reviewed FERC’s FY10 Budget to see if I could glean any insights about the future of the marine renewables industry.
Going by FERC’s budget predictions, there won’t be much significant growth in the marine renewables industry, at least over the next two years. From the budget document:
So – three Full Time Employees to handle marine renewable for FY2010 and no growth over FY2008. Moreover, the Commission doesn’t appear to be anticipating any larger scale projects – which is probably reasonable given that so few small projects have gotten through licensing. Though I wish the news were better, I tend to believe that the Commission’s assessments of its needs are probably accurate. This is the first time I’ve wished for more government (since more FTEs for marine renewables would mean more projects) rather than less.
In FY 2008 Commission staff developed licensing procedures for pilot projects tailored to meet the needs of entities interested in testing new hydrokinetic technology, while minimizing the risk of adverse environmental impacts. The goals of the pilot procedures are to: accommodate the rapidly expanding interest in hydrokinetic technologies; allow developers to test their new technologies; determine appropriate siting of these technologies; and confirm their environmental effects, all while maintaining Commission oversight and input. The process allows the issuance of short- term licenses (five years) of small scale hydrokinetic projects (5 MW or less) in as few as six months to allow for project installation, connection with the electric grid, operation, and environmental testing as soon as possible. Projects eligible to use this process are of limited size, are removable or able to shut down on short notice, and are not located in waters with sensitive designations. The resulting license would be short-term and include rigorous environmental monitoring and safeguards. The Commission expects three FTEs will be necessary in FY 2010 to work on these new technology issues, consistent with FY 2008.
My name is Carolyn Elefant, owner of the Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant in Washington D.C. and I do FERC Fights. Whether a matter requires an appeal of a FERC ruling in federal circuit court, a request for rehearing, a vigorous defense in an enforcement action, the pursuit of a refund or general protection of interests in a FERC proceeding, I act as a tenacious, thorough and persistent advocate for my clients.
For more information, contact me at carolynelefant@fercfights.com or loce@his.com