Area residents have until June 15th to comment on the Offshore Wind Energy projects along the Oregon Coast. Participate in shaping the look of the Oregon Coast by commenting during in the upcoming comment period.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is inviting coastal communities to learn about and comment on a proposal by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to lease areas off the Oregon coast for potential wind energy development.

Exploring the Potential of Offshore Wind

These proposed leases up for discussion wouldn’t authorize construction, yet. Instead, they would allow companies to study the areas for wind energy potential, including placing buoys and collecting data on the seafloor, ocean habitats, and wildlife.

What This Means for Oregon Coast Residents

It’s important to note that this is not a proposal to build wind farms. BOEM would need to conduct a separate review and receive approval for any construction plans. However, the state has a say in whether the initial leasing and study activities align with Oregon’s coastal management policies – and that’s what this public comment period is all about.

State Review for Coastal Policy Consistency

As part of its federal oversight role, DLCD’s Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) will review BOEM’s proposal to ensure it aligns with existing state and local coastal zone policies. The OCMP can either approve the leases, approve them with conditions, or object to them entirely.

DLCD Seeking Public Input

DLCD’s Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) is holding a series of community meetings to gather public comments. These meetings will provide information about the proposed activities, relevant state policies, and the timeline for public input.

Your Voice Matters

The community meetings offer a chance to learn more about the proposed activities and state review process, and how to submit comments during the 45-day comment period ending June 15th, 2024.

How to Get Involved

Attend a Community Meeting:

• Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, May 29th, Noon to 3:00 PM (Join information available online)
• Brookings-Harbor High School: Monday, June 3rd, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Sunset Middle School (Coos Bay): Tuesday, June 4th, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Siuslaw Middle School (Florence): Thursday, June 6th, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Newport High School: Friday, June 7th, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Submit a Comment:

Comments may be submitted via email to coast.permits@dlcd.oregon.gov, or mailed directly to OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540. An online comment form is also available: https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/OCMP/Pages/Federal-Consistency-Review.aspx