The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory could receive $1.75 million for renewable energy research.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Freeland, announced July 10 she included the money in a Senate spending bill for fiscal year 2010.

The research conducted by Battelle at

Sequim’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will focus on harnessing the power of ocean waves and tidal systems.

Battelle performs water resources modeling, ecotoxicology testing, biotechnology research and marine and coastal resource testing for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory as well as other private and public entities.

"Washington state is well-positioned to lead in clean tidal technology and this funding will support the research to keep our state on the cutting edge," Murray said.

"Investing in clean energy technology is good for the environment and it will create jobs and boost the local economy."

This project will provide insight into the environmental impacts of developing power sources that will diversify the country’s energy portfolio, Murray said.

The development of ocean energy is a key component to public and private environmental sustainability efforts, as well as critical to the long-term economic viability of the nation, she said.

The funding was included in the fiscal year 2010 "energy and water development appropriations bill."

The bill passed the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee on July 10. It will go to the Appropriations Committee before going to the full Senate for consideration.