February 25, 2024
The US Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management has designated two final wind energy areas (WEAs) offshore Oregon which could accommodate 2.4 GW of offshore wind capacity.
The two areas total approximately 195,012 acres and they avoid 98 per cent of the areas recommended for exclusion due to their importance as commercial fishing grounds, BOEM said.
The Coos Bay WEA is 61,204 acres and is located 32 miles from shore while the Brookings WEA is 133,808 acres and is about 18 miles from shore.
“We will continue to work closely with Tribal governments, federal and state government agencies, ocean users, coastal communities and all interested stakeholders as we move forward with our environmental review,” said Elizabeth Klein, BOEM Director.
The WEAs were designated following engagement and feedback from the state, tribes, local residents, ocean users, federal government partners, and other members of the public.
The final WEAs are based on reducing potential conflicts of ocean users, particularly on commercial fishing, said BOEM.
On 14 February, BOEM published a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact assessment from offshore wind leasing in the WEAs and open a 30-day public comment period.
