WASHINGTON – Today, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) applauded the advancement of the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act from the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources by a bipartisan vote. The legislation is led by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
“Senators Bill Cassidy and Sheldon Whitehouse’s RISEE Act is commonsense legislation that promotes American energy leadership, shoreline conservation and economic security,” said CRES President Heather Reams. “I am excited to see bipartisan support for the bill, which will create new opportunities for clean energy development while mitigating the impacts of climate change by making our coastal communities more resilient. I hope the U.S. Senate will move swiftly to pass this important piece of legislation.”
As coastal communities become more at risk due to the effects of a changing climate, CRES believes we should equip local communities and states with the tools they need to protect homes, businesses, and the environment.
The RISEE Act would utilize the revenue from offshore wind development for coastal protection and resiliency, incentivizing future clean energy development. The bill would allot 37.5% of offshore wind power funds to states adjacent to where offshore wind farms are located. The state funds can be used for the following:
- Coastal restoration, hurricane protection, erosion protection, or infrastructure.
- Mitigate damage to coastal ecosystems and other natural resources.
- Implement a coastal, marine, or conservation management plan.