2022
Wave energy project with C-Power | January 2022
48 NORTH is honored to provide environmental permitting and regulatory support for Columbia Power's (C-Power) SeaRAY autonomous offshore power system. This device can generate 100 watts to 20 kilowatts of clean energy from ocean waves— enough energy to power a seafloor data-gathering system or a surface vessel! It's also equipped with a novel field data collection, storage, and transmission system that researchers can also use to control the SeaRAY remotely. This technology can help conserve our oceans and provide renewable energy for a booming ocean economy.
To learn more about this exciting project, visit the Department of Energy's website!
To learn more about this exciting project, visit the Department of Energy's website!
2021
Happy Holidays! | December 2021
On behalf of all at 48 NORTH, we would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season! Thank you to our clients, collaborators, and colleagues for your support in 2021—we look forward to working with you in the new year!
Sandy Cove Park wetland delineations | November 2021
Wetlands and streams are considered "Waters of the U.S." and must be identified before most construction or development activities. Last week, the 48 NORTH team strapped on their boots and raingear to conduct a critical area review and wetland and ordinary high water mark (OHWM) determination at a local park. We verified the presence/absence of wetlands and important habitat areas and used GIS to map the boundaries. Now, we are drafting a critical area report of our findings, as well as a conceptual mitigation plan that presents an overview of possible mitigation solutions.
Fish and water quality monitoring in Snoqualmie | September 2021
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Our team has been busy supporting the Record Office revetment repair project proposed by the City of Snoqualmie, which is designed to provide bank stabilization along the Snoqualmie River. We're monitoring water quality and fish during construction activities to ensure environmental compliance and safeguard ecosystem health.
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Our team welcomes Celeste Barnes-Crouse | August 2021
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We're growing! 48 NORTH is excited to introduce Celeste Barnes-Crouse, who recently joined on as an environmental scientist. A School of Marine and Environmental Affairs at the University of Washington graduate, she is an interdisciplinary scientist with a background in geography and a passion for science communication. Welcome to the team, Celeste!
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48 NORTH supports Alaska Power & Telephone's SEALink cable | June 2021
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48 NORTH is back in Alaska! This time we are proudly supporting AP&T on the SEALink submarine fiber cable project - a 214-mile submarine cable - connecting rural communities in Alaska. This combination of marine and terrestrial cable will extend from Prince of Wales Island to Juneau, with an overland crossing on Mitkof Island through the community of Petersburg. The project also involves terrestrial network build-outs in the communities of Coffman Cove and Kasaan, which currently lack broadband service. 48 NORTH is working closely with AP&T and USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) to provide NEPA and environmental permitting support on this RUS ReConnect-funded project.
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48 NORTH joins social media | April 2021
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You can now find us on Twitter and Facebook! We will be using these accounts to highlight our projects, provide updates on the environmental permitting process, and everything in between. Follow us on Twitter (@48NSolutions), like us on Facebook (48 North Solutions, Inc.), and if you haven't already, connect with us on LinkedIn!
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We've moved to our new office | March 2021
After almost seven years in Seattle, we've packed up our Boat Street office and moved to Issaquah! You can now find us at:
1275 12th Avenue NW, STE 8
Issaquah, WA 98027
Come out and see us at our new location!
1275 12th Avenue NW, STE 8
Issaquah, WA 98027
Come out and see us at our new location!
Our team welcomes Katie Keil | February 2021
Katie Keil has recently joined the 48 NORTH Team as an environmental scientist! We are pleased to add her interdisciplinary expertise in aquatic ecology and environmental policy to our roster.
Cameron Fisher joins the City of Issaquah's Environmental Board | January 2021
Cameron Fisher was recently appointed as board member on the City of Issaquah’s Environmental Board (https://www.issaquahwa.gov/507/Environmental). Created in 2020, the objective of the Environmental Board is to protect, preserve and enhance the natural environment, and take action on climate change to reduce its impacts. Board members advise the Mayor, City Council, and City departments on the City’s plans, policies, regulations and programs related to environmental stewardship.
2020
Happy Holidays! | December 2020
What a wild year 2020 has been! Thanks to everyone we've worked with for your support
during these unusual times! Although this season may look different this year, we wish you a
very happy holidays from the 48 NORTH team!
USACE Publishes Proposal to Reissue & Modify NWPs | September 2020
On September 15, 2020, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) published its Proposal to Reissue and Modify Nationwide Permits (Proposal) in the Federal Register. Based on the expected timing for finalization and implementation, these new Nationwide Permits (NWPs) will become effective roughly 1 year prior to the planned expiration of the 2017 NWPs on March 22, 2022. Overall, NWPs are proposed to be reissued with similar, if not more flexible, terms relative to project impacts to waters of the U.S.
48 NORTH's supports clients with obtaining NWPs for various projects. NWPs provide a streamlined process for the USACE to authorize work in streams, wetlands, lakes, and tidal waters under Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
48 NORTH's supports clients with obtaining NWPs for various projects. NWPs provide a streamlined process for the USACE to authorize work in streams, wetlands, lakes, and tidal waters under Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.
COVID-19 Updates | May 2020
48 NORTH is open and working (mostly from home) on our projects. Please stay safe as you navigate these difficult times!
2019
Happy Holidays! | December 2019
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Finishing our sixth year in business, 48 NORTH is going from strength to strength. Thank you to everyone we've worked with this year for making it such as success. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and excited to start 2020! |
Navajo Indian Reservation Delineations, New Mexico | November 2019
The Navajo Indian Nation and US Bureau of Reclamation propose to install two 14-inch water pipeline laterals extending a total of 50 miles. 48 NORTH biologists, supporting McIntyre Environmental, conducted a delineation of waterbodies along the proposed route. Efforts included identifying Ordinary High Water Marks, Cowardin classifications of habitats, and unique biological features of each drainage. Data collected forms the basis of the 404/401 Water Quality Certification for the project installation.
Submarine Networks World Conference, Singapore | September 2019
48 NORTH's Cameron Fisher had the opportunity to sit on the regulatory panel at the Submarine Networks World conference, held in Singapore. Discussions revolved around environmental and regulatory hurdles associated with landing submarine fiber optic cables.
Quinault Indian Nation Submarine Fiber Optic Cable Landing Station | June 2019
48 NORTH is excited to support the Quinault Indian Nation with regulatory expertise to develop a submarine fiber optic cable landing station on the Washington coast. As part of the ACA International-led team, the Nation will oversee the development of the first and only cable landing station on the Washington Coast. This will enable submarine cables to land in Washington State for the first time in over 20 years.
Rivers Restoration Northwest Symposium | January 2019
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48 NORTH's Senior Fisheries Biologist, Bill Mavros, presented a poster at this year's RRNW's Stream Restoration Symposium. Bill's poster focused on our successful 4-year habitat monitoring of Ebright Creek for the City of Sammamish.
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2018
Happy Holidays! | December 2018
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Wow! Another year has passed. Thank you to everyone we've worked with this year for making it such as success. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and we're looking forward to seeing what 2019 will bring. |
Tree Planting at the City of Sammamish's Zackuse Creek | November 2018
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48 NORTH's Senior Fisheries Biologist, Bill Mavros, enjoyed a great day planting native vegetation along the newly restored Zackuse Creek in the City of Sammamish. Nearly 100 people from the City, Snoqualmie Tribe, and local community turned up to make this a hugely successful event.
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Trip to Weaver Creek Spawning Channel, B.C. | October 2018
48 NORTH's Environmental Scientist, Cori Currier, participated in a University of Washington research trip to the Weaver Creek spawning channel to observe sockeye, pink, and chum salmon courtship and spawning behaviors. At Waver Creek, a 3-km long spawning channel was built as an extension of the existing creek. This extension provides a stable flow of cool, clean, oxygenated water to eggs and alevin. The channel holds about 45,000 spawning adult salmon.
48 NORTH Supports McIntyre Environmental on USFS Blanket Purchase Agreement | October 2018
48 NORTH is excited to support Arizona-based McIntyre Environmental on their recently awarded Blanked Purchase Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service Region 3 (Southwest) to provide NEPA services.
Our team welcomes Cori Currier | September 2018
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We are pleased to welcome Cori Currier to the 48 NORTH Team as an environmental scientist! Sadly, Valerie Cleland is leaving us to become a Knauss Marine Policy Fellow. We wish her the best in Washington DC next year!
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48 NORTH supporting Makai on Navy EXWC OMAC award | August 2018
48 NORTH is excited to support Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc. (Makai) on their 5-year, $245 million IDIQ contract for ocean engineering services with the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) in Port Hueneme, California. Makai provides engineering services for worldwide design and construction of ocean cable systems, ocean work systems, waterfront facilities, offshore structures, moorings, and ocean construction equipment. 48 NORTH will provide regulatory support, including NEPA compliance, for appropriate task orders.
Environmental Monitoring in Hawaii | July 2018
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We are currently providing regulatory support to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the US Navy for the deployment of multiple environmental monitoring devices at the Wave Energy Test Site in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii.
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Valerie and Bryan Graduate | June 2018
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Two of our employees, Valerie Cleland and Bryan Pelach, have graduated from University of Washington with Master's in Marine Affairs. Bryan won the award for best thesis and will be continuing on at UW to do a PhD. Congratulations to you both!
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48 NORTH Team Gets Outside | March 2018
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Our team determined the Ordinary High Water Mark of a section of the Naches River in accordance with the WA Department of Ecology's 2016 manual. Fieldwork with sunny weather in Washington is rare in March!
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UW Student Interview | January 2018
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Our employee, Valerie Cleland, is also a graduate student at the University of Washington in the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. Read her interview about why she is interested in working in the field of marine policy: Q&A with Valerie Cleland |
2017
Happy Holidays! | December 2017
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Thanks to everyone we've worked with this year; we're wishing you all a wonderful holiday season! The 48 NORTH team is proud of what we've accomplished in 2017 and are looking forward to what 2018 will bring. |
Marine Technology Summit | November 2017
Senior Principal Engineer at the Applied Physics Lab, Dr. Peter Dahl, will be presenting "A hand-held tool for rapid assessment of underwater sound to inform decision making" at the Marine Technology Summit at the University of Washington on November 6th. 48 NORTH used Dr. Dahl's tool for the hydroacoustic monitoring of pile driving for the Pensacola Bay Bridge. The data we collected will be used as a case study for his presentation & Jan Brandt will be in attendance to answer additional questions.
Internet-Connected Deep-Sea Observatory | August 2017
UW/NSF-OOI/Jason
We're lucky here at 48 NORTH that we get to work on incredibly interesting projects such as the Regional Cable Array - University of Washington's submarine cable ocean observatory system. Take a look at this News Article to learn more about the system: Researchers, students on annual expedition to maintain internet-connected deep-sea observatory. We are very proud to provide continuing regulatory support on this project.
Jan Brandt on Site for Construction of the Pensacola Bay Bridge | June 2017
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48 NORTH is in Florida supporting Skanska/Parsons Brinckerhoff Design-Build team for the construction of the new Pensacola Bay Bridge. Our team will be in and out of Florida all summer to provide the hydroacoustic monitoring for the pile driving during construction. You can read more about the bridge here: http://www.pensacolabaybridge.com/overview
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Cameron Fisher Chairs DOE's 2017 Marine Hydrokinetic Peer Review Committee | February 2017
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy are required to undertake rigorous, objective peer review of their funded projects in order to ensure and enhance the management, relevance, effectiveness, and productivity of those project. Once again, Cameron Fisher has the privilege of chairing the marine hydrokinetic energy committee. The committee review's projects sponsored by DOE's Water Power Technologies Office's Water Power portfolio. For more information please see: https://energy.gov/eere/water/water-power-program-peer-reviews
48 NORTH Opens New Office in Florida | January 2017
48 NORTH has opened an office in St. Augustine, Florida. This expansion is to accommodate our growth in project work and provide local expertise and client support in the Southeast U.S. 48 NORTH’s recent addition of prominent project support in hydroacoustic noise consultation for pile driving activities has accelerated the company’s growth and resource requirements in this region. In addition to providing hydroacoustic expertise for in-water construction, Florida provides a unique market to apply our firm’s regulatory and permitting expertise and capabilities. As a 25 year-native of Florida, 48 NORTH’s CEO and co-founder Jan Brandt leads the company’s expansion into the Southeast.
2016
Hydroacoustic Consultation & Monitoring for New Pensacola Bay Bridge | November 2016
48 North is proud to support the Skanska/Parsons Brinckerhoff Design-Build team for the construction of the new Pensacola Bay Bridge with hydroacoustic consultation and underwater noise monitoring services. Our own Jan Brandt is assisting the design team in underwater noise modeling resulting from pile driving operations, development of ESA consultation strategies with USFWS, as well as real time underwater noise monitoring during construction of the new bridge. For more information please see: http://www.pensacolabaybridge.com
48 NORTH Staff Joins Issaquah's River & Stream Board | October 2016
Our own Cameron Fisher and Bill Mavros have been accepted to sit on the City of Issaquah's River and Stream Board! Created in 1983, this board advises the Mayor and City Council on how to protect, preserve and enhance the water quality in the City's waterways, as well as protect the fish, birds and mammals that depend upon these aquatic environments. To learn more about this board, please visit: http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/index.aspx?NID=507
FASTER Cable Operational| July 2016
Congratulations to Google and cable installer, NEC Submarine Systems, for the successful installation of the FASTER cable - a 5,600 mile long fiber optic cable stretching from Oregon to Japan.
48 NORTH is proud to have provided regulatory and stakeholder support for the landing of this cable in Oregon. We worked closely with the State and Federal agencies throughout the permitting process, as well as regional fishing representatives, to successfully permit this project.
For more information about this project see: FASTER Cable
48 NORTH is proud to have provided regulatory and stakeholder support for the landing of this cable in Oregon. We worked closely with the State and Federal agencies throughout the permitting process, as well as regional fishing representatives, to successfully permit this project.
For more information about this project see: FASTER Cable
Holden Mine Wetland Assessment| July 2016
48 North's Wetland staff went out near Lake Chelan to the Holden Mine Reclamation Site and completed a wetland assessment of a 5-acre parcel on the site. Holden Mine is an inactive underground mine located along railroad creek about 50 miles north of the town of Chelan.
For more information about this project see: Holden Mine Site Clean-Up
Gold Bar Wetland Delineations | June 2016
Our team got to head out to a beautiful part of Washington State to do a series of wetland delineations. We assessed a series of regulated critical areas in and around Gold Bar.
Our team got to head out to a beautiful part of Washington State to do a series of wetland delineations. We assessed a series of regulated critical areas in and around Gold Bar.
ICEX 2016 Video - Arctic Ice Camp | April 2016
Last Month, 48 North's Jan Brandt got a chance to go up and spend some time at NAVY ICEX2016- a temporary ice camp in the Arctic Ocean. We helped University of Washington's Applied Physics Lab (APL) with the environmental permitting to make a camp like this possible. We wanted to share what life on ice looks like:
Last Month, 48 North's Jan Brandt got a chance to go up and spend some time at NAVY ICEX2016- a temporary ice camp in the Arctic Ocean. We helped University of Washington's Applied Physics Lab (APL) with the environmental permitting to make a camp like this possible. We wanted to share what life on ice looks like:
ICEX 2016 - Arctic Ice Camp | March 2016
48 NORTH's Jan Brandt has just returned from supporting University of Washington APL's involvement in the U.S. Navy Arctic Ice Exercise (ICEX 2016). He was 200 miles north of Deadhorse, Alaska on the arctic sea ice in negative 20 degree weather.
IMREC Conference on Marine Renewable Energy | February 2016
48 NORTH's Cameron Fisher is the Program Chair for this year's International Marine Renewable Energy Conference (IMREC). As part of NHA's Waterpower Week in Washington, D.C., developers, policymakers, and stakeholders discuss the challenges and solutions to move this marine industry forward. The conference is from April 25 to 27.
48 NORTH's Cameron Fisher is the Program Chair for this year's International Marine Renewable Energy Conference (IMREC). As part of NHA's Waterpower Week in Washington, D.C., developers, policymakers, and stakeholders discuss the challenges and solutions to move this marine industry forward. The conference is from April 25 to 27.
Happy new year! | January 2016
48 NORTH's Jan Brandt and Valerie Cleland will be attending this year's Arctic Encounter Symposium (AES) in Seattle, Washington. On January 15 and 16, the third annual AES will convene policymakers, industry leaders, and leading experts to confront the leading issues in Arctic policy, innovation, and development
48 NORTH's Jan Brandt and Valerie Cleland will be attending this year's Arctic Encounter Symposium (AES) in Seattle, Washington. On January 15 and 16, the third annual AES will convene policymakers, industry leaders, and leading experts to confront the leading issues in Arctic policy, innovation, and development
2015
End of 2015 | December 2015
Happy Holidays from the 48 NORTH Staff! This year our team has grown and we're excited to see what 2016 will bring- so cheers to another year, new projects, and good friends!
Kokanee Salmon in Sammamish, WA | October 2015
As we finished up the initial assessment of Ebright Creek in Sammamish, our team was lucky enough to spot some Kokanee Salmon before they spawned.
Check out the Kokanee Cam to take a look at these awesome fish!
Yet Another West Coast Fiber Optic Cable Project | July 2015
48 NORTH is again supporting the regulatory and permitting efforts to land another submarine fiber optic cable on the West Coast of the US. We're excited to support this effort!
48 NORTH is again supporting the regulatory and permitting efforts to land another submarine fiber optic cable on the West Coast of the US. We're excited to support this effort!
We're Expanding Our Team | April 2015
48 NORTH has expanded our offices as we're expanding our staff. We're adding senior fisheries and wetland experience to our ranks - 48 NORTH is developing into the aquatic "go to" company.
48 NORTH has expanded our offices as we're expanding our staff. We're adding senior fisheries and wetland experience to our ranks - 48 NORTH is developing into the aquatic "go to" company.
Back to Alaska... again! | March 2015
48 NORTH's fisheries scientists are excited to support Continental Shelf Associates on a Programmatic EIS assessing lease area expansion in Cook Inlet for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Our scientists are assessing the potential impacts to fisheries and benthic communities from potential oil and gas expansion in the region.
Arctic Ice Station Environmental Compliance | January 2015
Once again, 48 NORTH is honored to provide support on the University of Washington's Applied Physics Lab. This time we are preparing the federal environmental compliance documents for APL's 2016 Arctic ice station. 48 NORTH is developing strategies to maintain a no-net-discharge of all waste streams generated by the camp in the harsh climate of the Arctic winter.
To learn more about this exciting project please visit: Ice Camp Photos
To learn more about this exciting project please visit: Ice Camp Photos
2014
Wave and Tidal Project with UW APL | October 2014
48 NORTH is honored to provide regulatory support on the University of Washington's Applied Physics Lab’s efforts to investigate how to advance existing marine renewable energy technologies and concepts so they will perform at naval facilities and help reach the Navy’s renewable energy targets.
To learn more about this exciting project please visit UW Today
To learn more about this exciting project please visit UW Today
Biological and Water Monitoring of Ebright Creek | September 2014
48 NORTH is excited to support the City of Sammamish with monitoring of biological and water resources of Ebright Creek. This stream is important spawning habitat for kokanee. With the increase in housing developments within the City of Sammamish, concerns have been raised about the impacts to the adjacent natural environment. Our team will map the stream’s habitat, conduct a macroinvertebrate assessment, and monitor water quality over the long-term.
48 NORTH is excited to support the City of Sammamish with monitoring of biological and water resources of Ebright Creek. This stream is important spawning habitat for kokanee. With the increase in housing developments within the City of Sammamish, concerns have been raised about the impacts to the adjacent natural environment. Our team will map the stream’s habitat, conduct a macroinvertebrate assessment, and monitor water quality over the long-term.
West Coast Fiber Optic Cable | September 2014
We are proud to announce that 48 NORTH is supporting NEC Corporation with regulatory and permitting efforts to land a fiber optic cable from Asia to the West Coast of the US.
To learn more about this exciting project please visit NEC Cable Project
We are proud to announce that 48 NORTH is supporting NEC Corporation with regulatory and permitting efforts to land a fiber optic cable from Asia to the West Coast of the US.
To learn more about this exciting project please visit NEC Cable Project
48 North Solutions, Inc. is a SCS-Certified Business | July 2014
48 NORTH is now a Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) certified company (SCS #1660). Administered by King County's Office of Business Relations and Economic Development, King County's Contracting Opportunities Program creates opportunities for the use of SCS-certified businesses on King County, Port of Seattle, and Sound transit contracts.
Hawaii Marine Resource Support | June 2014
We are working in Hawaii again! 48 NORTH is proud to have supported Sound & Sea Technology, Inc. a Seattle-based marine engineering firm, develop the marine resource sections to support the NEPA documentation for the installation of a hydrophone array and submarine cable off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
We are working in Hawaii again! 48 NORTH is proud to have supported Sound & Sea Technology, Inc. a Seattle-based marine engineering firm, develop the marine resource sections to support the NEPA documentation for the installation of a hydrophone array and submarine cable off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
Permit Feasibility Analysis for Offshore Project in Oregon | May 2014
48 NORTH developed a Permitting Feasibility and Alternatives Analysis for the removal of a 270-ton concrete anchor off of the Oregon Coast for Sea Engineering Inc., a Honolulu-based marine engineering firm.
Cameron Fisher Chairs DOE's 2014 Marine Hydrokinetic Peer Review Committee | January 2014
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy are required to undertake rigorous, objective peer review of their funded projects in order to ensure and enhance the management, relevance, effectiveness, and productivity of those project. This year, Cameron Fisher has the privilege of chairing the marine hydrokinetic energy committee. The committee review's projects sponsored by the Wind and Water Power Technologies Office's Water Power portfolio.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy are required to undertake rigorous, objective peer review of their funded projects in order to ensure and enhance the management, relevance, effectiveness, and productivity of those project. This year, Cameron Fisher has the privilege of chairing the marine hydrokinetic energy committee. The committee review's projects sponsored by the Wind and Water Power Technologies Office's Water Power portfolio.