CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS COUNTlfS
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ENERGY AND COMMERCE
SU6COMMITTE[ ON Hl:AlTH
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND POWER
SUOCOMMIITEE ON
ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMY
REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE
VICE CHAIR
DepuTY WHIP
({ongrc~~ of tbe Wniteb ~tateg
1!)OUSC of l\cprcscntatibcs
August 2, 2012
ADAMS
ASOTIN
COLUMBIA
FERRY
GARFIELD
LINCOLN
OKANOGAN
PEND OREILlE
SPOKANE
SnVE.NS
WAllA WALLA
WHITMAN
Thc Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chainnan
Fcderal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chainnan Genachowski:
Washington State has long played an important role as an economic engine for the United States
and the Snohomish Public Utility District is poised to make another major contribution through the
developmcnt of a new technology that will produce clean, rencwable energy for the United Stales.
Snohomish Public Utility District is one of the only entities in the United States exploring the
developmcnt of tidal cnergy. With the support of the U.S. Department of Energy, Snohomish PUD is
partnering with respected entities such as Pacific Northwest National Laboratories and the University of
Washington to devclop cutting edge turbines to harness tidal energy. Over the last six years, Snohomish
PUD has overcome numerous setbacks and responded to concerns expressed by resource agencies
including NOAA Fisheries, local governmcnts, recreational groups, the maritime industry, and other
important stakeholders. As a result of their hard work, Snohomish PUD is on their way to installing
turbines in late 2013.
A recent roadblock has surfaced in the fonn of a complaint filed by the Pacific Communications
Landing Company (PCLC) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission case number 12690. It is
apparent that PCLC complaint is largely based on erroneous information. For example, PCLC expressed
concerns that their cable line would be damaged as a result of Snohomish PUD's turbines. To address this
concern, Snohomish PUD moved their closest turbine from 26 to 104 meters away from the P LC cable.
This is the maximum they can move the turbine without being out of the defined area of energy potential
and that does not diminish Lh~ ability to conduct ecvir:>nmema] stuclj~s. Unfortunately. that was not
sufficient to PCLC and a prote t of Snohomish PUD's project was filed wilh the FCC.
It is my understanding that the FCC has reviewed the case and submitted comments to FERC,
based solely on the information supplied by PCLC. I respectfully that request your office reevaluate the
case, taking inlo account the comprehensive comment responses submitted by Snohomish PUD.
Sincerely,
Cathy McMorris Rodgers
2421 RAYBUR... HouSl: Orncr BUIl.DlNG
WA!>ll'Nc-,lO.... DC 20515
(2021 225-2006
FAx: (2021225-3392
10 NORTH POST SIHlll. SUITt 625
Sf'OltANr. WA 99201
(5091 353 2374
FA)(; (509)353-2412
www.~odgers.hoJ.tJ.ll..gQY
www rnc(fl...2r.rislodg8r$,h~vlfaceboo~
PAINTEO ON R[CYClfD PApfR
555 SoulH MAl'"
COLVILLL WA99114
15091 684 3481
FAX: {5091 353-2412
29 SOVTH PAt.OUS( STR£U
WALLA WALLA, WA 99362
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