Tide-driven power turbines may be coming to Puget Sound. The Snohomish County energy utility is beginning research into installing generators that could power 60,000 or more homes.
The studies would inform debate over harming the already troubled ecosystem:
The modeling could also show whether the turbines could affect tidal currents in Puget Sound, slowing them. Some observers worry that losing such "kinetic energy" could harm places such as Hood Canal, where water circulation already is poor.Others believe turbines won't mix well with endangered salmon and the marine animals and fishermen that depend on them.
The proposal was reported a couple months ago, along with introduction of a bill by U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee to promote development of tidal energy through tax credits. That bill is now sitting in committee.