Sponsors (3)
The bill invests federal funds to advance marine energy demonstrations, manufacturing, workforce training, and permitting coordination—trading a modest increase in federal spending and localized disruptions for potential local energy resilience, jobs, and cleaner coastal technology development.
Communities near marine energy project sites (including rural, Tribal, and low-income communities) gain new local power sources and greater grid resilience through at least 20 funded demonstration projects.
U.S. manufacturers, suppliers, and local workers see increased demand and hiring opportunities as R&D and demonstration projects prioritize domestic manufacturing, materials, supply chains, and workforce development.
Students and workers gain clearer training pathways and funded workforce programs tied to demonstration projects, improving job prospects in marine energy fields.
All taxpayers fund roughly $1 billion (available until expended) for demonstrations and related activities, increasing federal spending that could otherwise be used for other priorities.
Allocating and prioritizing demonstration funds may favor regions with existing permits or infrastructure, leaving other rural, Tribal, or high-potential communities unsupported and exacerbating regional inequities.
Coastal and ocean users may face temporary area restrictions, site testing impacts, or user conflicts during testing and permitting activities, affecting fisheries, recreation, and navigation.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a $1 billion DOE Marine Energy Acceleration Fund to competitively support marine energy R&D and at least 20 demonstration projects, with $600M reserved for demonstrations.
Introduced October 6, 2025 by Nanette Barragán · Last progress October 6, 2025
Creates a $1 billion Marine Energy Acceleration Fund at the Department of Energy to support marine energy research, development, demonstration, education, and monitoring. It requires competitive solicitations for at least 20 demonstration projects that export power to microgrids, community grids, or utility-scale grids and reserves $600 million specifically for those demonstrations, plus additional competitive R&D awards and facility upgrades.