The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced the designation of two final Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) offshore Oregon. The WEAs were developed following extensive 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 among ocean users, particularly regarding commercial fishing. The two WEAs total approximately 195,012 acres and avoid 98% of the areas recommended for exclusion due to their significance as commercial fishing grounds. The Coos Bay WEA covers 61,204 acres and is located 32 miles from shore. The Brookings WEA covers 133,808 acres and is approximately 18 miles from shore.
On February 14, 2024, BOEM will publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing its intent to prepare an environmental assessment of potential impacts from offshore wind leasing in the WEAs. The notice will initiate a 30-day public comment period. Another public comment period would occur if BOEM decides to proceed with a lease sale in either of the WEAs.
In addition to engaging with the State, Tribes, coastal communities, and ocean users, BOEM partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) to assess opportunities for wind energy development and reduce or avoid impacts on other important ocean uses in Oregon. The agencies developed a comprehensive, ecosystem-based ocean planning model that utilises the best available data on natural resources, ocean industries such as fisheries and energy production, and areas of national security activities to identify areas with high wind energy resource potential and fewer potential impacts on other ocean users and sensitive environmental resources.
