The State of Oregon and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate procedures for review of wave energy projects in state waters. The agreement should provide Oregons state agencies and coastal communities with an enhanced role in wave energy planning to ensure that projects are sited thoughtfully and minimize impacts to the environment and ocean users. We thank the Governor for his leadership on this important issue! In other news, Oceanlinx recently withdrew their permit application for a project off Florence. Surfriders Florence Organizing Committee had filed a Motion of Intervention on this project, citing environmental, aesthetic, recreational, and public safety concerns with the project as proposed. Congrats to Gus and the rest of the Florence crew on this victory! Finally, Surfrider continues to participate in a settlement process with Ocean Power Technologies, state and federal agencies, and other stakeholders to agree on terms for installation of 1o wave energy buoys off Reedsport. Key elements include scientific monitoring and an adaptive managment program. Surfrider supports renewable energy, but we want to make sure projects minimize impacts to the ocean environment and are sited thoughfully. To read Oregon Chapters Statement on Wave Energy: http://www.surfrider.org/oregon/issues.html
