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Excellent discussion, indeed.  Thanks OPB for keeping this timely topic in the light.  As executive director of the Oregon Wave Energy Trust, I'd like to respond to Kim Young regarding research on ocean energy.  Oregon doesn't have much tidal energy available, so we're focusing on wave energy sources.  And, in short, there's a lot of research going on, at OWET and at institutions around the country.  Be sure to check out our website at www.oregonwave.org.  We post all of our studies, and there are links to other organizations that are doing this work. 

For me, the ironic thing is that renewable energy development, of whatever type, receives the highest level of regulatory scrutiny, even though its purpose is to provide low-impact, clean, CO2 free, reliable energy for the future.  Meanwhile, existing energy developments (like off-shore drilling) operate in a cozy relationship with regulators that allows them to create tremendous damage to the environment and the economy.  Why the double standard? The simple answer is that they already have their permits to operate, and those permits had lower barriers to entry. New permits have higher standards to reflect our increased understanding of the effects of our actions on our planet. That's just the way it is.   

And remember, when wave energy devices fail (which they will), they sink.  When a fossil fuel or nuclear device fails (which they will), they destroy ecosystems and economies.  

The future is uncertain; but that means we have a choice.     

posted 3 years ago
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