Governor Kotek urged to embrace the “Oregon Way” in offshore wind energy development

In a recent letter, Oregon’s state seafood commodity commissions have expressed concerns to Governor Kotek over offshore wind energy plans proposed for the southern Oregon coast, emphasizing its adverse effects on the ocean environment and Oregon’s sustainable seafood industry.

Oregon Trawl, Oregon Dungeness Crab, Oregon Albacore and Oregon Salmon Commissions urged Governor Kotek to prioritize Oregon’s own planning process under the auspices of the state official “Roadmap” initiative, intended to guide responsible offshore wind energy development in Oregon. The alternative would be to follow the rushed federal process, which does not allow the impacted communities an authentic seat at the table, and it does not prioritize the viability of the seafood industry or the health of the ocean.

“Being situated in the middle of one of the world’s four most productive marine regions, Oregon is blessed with its healthy abundant fisheries, which are known to be among the top well-managed fisheries in existence today,” said Yelena Nowak, the executive director of the Oregon Trawl Commission. “It is critically important for Oregon to step up our efforts in ensuring Oregon’s impacted communities and the pristine natural environments are respected and protected in the pursuit of offshore wind energy development.”

Oregon is one of many states around the country where the Biden Administration is looking to deploy industrial offshore wind energy projects in the global fight against climate change. These facilities will be built in the pristine ocean ecosystems that support remarkable marine biodiversity, including many protected species. No environmental studies have been performed to assess the risks of large-scale offshore wind energy production which risks overwhelming this unique remote oceanic region.

“We will continue to educate the Oregonians on what we believe is good for a sustainable ocean, so we can all enjoy its bounty for years to come,” said Crystal Adams, the executive director of the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission.