Nearshore Ocean
Offshore Wind
Sustainable energy sources must be pursued while carefully considering ecosystems and communities
ocean energy
What is Offshore Wind?
Offshore wind refers to energy harnessed from the force of winds out at sea via windmill turbines. This technology is renewable, because wind is an abundant resource and the creation of electricity from wind power does not require fossil fuel emissions.
Why This Matters
Oregon Shores is acutely aware of the current impacts and grave implications of the climate crisis. Addressing climate change is interwoven with every aspect of our work. We clearly recognize that developing renewable sources of energy that can replace the use of fossil fuels is an essential aspect of any strategy for slowing and eventually abating climate change.
Based on its position amidst global wind currents, Oregon has the potential to contribute sustainable, clean energy to the global movement to replace fossil fuels by exploiting wind energy, whether onshore or via floating offshore turbines. However, floating offshore wind has been installed in very few places worldwide and the environmental impacts of such technology is largely unknown. The industry on the West Coast also doesn’t exist yet, so many questions arise regarding the impacts to coastal communities and livelihoods.
Our Approach
Oregon Shores takes a precautionary stance on this topic, and we aim to understand the potential tradeoffs and impacts, so we can be well-informed and prepared to engage in the public process.
If floating offshore wind should ever be developed off Oregon’s coast, we must maximize community benefits, involve Tribal members and diverse voices in development discussions, minimize harm to marine and estuarine environments, and protect existing industries: such as fishing, aquaculture and tourism. Should such development occur, Oregon Shores will work to ensure the least possible impact on Oregon’s marine and coastal environments and communities.
What Happened?
After many years of siting potential Wind Energy Areas on the Southern coast, and a public comment period on the Environmental Assessment to set the stage for leasing, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) decided to postpone its Oregon auction in September 2024. Now that the president Biden is leaving the white house, the fate of offshore wind is unknown.
See our coalition comments, outlining the potential impacts:
Now What?
The state heard the concerns of stakeholders regarding the uncertainty of offshore wind, and has launched the Oregon Offshore Wind Roadmap to develop standards and criteria for future project development and approval processes.
Oregon Shores is honored to have a seat at the table in this process, and we are committed to advocating for strong environmental standards and public engagement requirements, to make sure the process is more equitable going forward.
If you want to follow along and engage, you can provide comments, watch meetings, and find more information here.
For More Information
View this video about floating offshore wind produced by our partners at Kalmiopsis Audubon.
