After approximately 5 years of data collection, stakeholder engagement, and public process, the State of Oregon is on the cusp of adopting an amended Territorial Sea Plan which accommodates for the new use of renewable energy development within our nearshore. Oregon Surfrider members and staff have played a very active role in this effort throughout with our Non-Consumptive Recreational Ocean Use Study, participation on the Territorial Sea Plan Advisory Committee (TSPAC), and providing many public comments to the Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC). Department of Land Conservation and Development Staff have provided recommendations for adoption by the Land Conservation and Development Commission (final decision making body) that are based on input from TSPAC and OPAC. The Commission is set to meet in Salem on January 24th. In short, the recommendations include directing the study for renewable energy suitability at specific locations including: Camp Rilea, Nestucca, Reedsport, and the area off Lakeside (see link below). Additional recommendations include sideboards for periodic review, a cap on the amount of future build out, and distribution of sites along the coast.
This has been an exhaustive process to say the least, but with all of the information that has been collected on human uses of our coastal waters, and where sensitive habitats occur, we are now in a much better position as a state to protect our important resources by avoiding these areas and minimizing any potential impacts.