Ocean Energy Articles

Offshore wind turbines.\Photo courtesy of Stanford University.

Decision Awaited on Offshore Wind Energy Sites

Offshore wind turbines.\Photo courtesy of NOAA. Latest development: The deadline for public comment on the Wind Energy Areas within which the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is past. Now we await the agency's response to feedback. On Aug. 15, BOEM announced the dimensions of two draft Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) off the coast of Oregon and opened a 60-day...Read more
Photo of two orca whales off the coast of Oregon.

World Oceans Day is June 8th

Video of world_oceans_day_youtube_2017 World Oceans Day is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a cleaner, healthier future. This year, on June 8th, individuals from across the globe will particpate in numerous ocean and water conservation events focusing on finding solutions to plastic pollution. There are multiple reasons why the oceans are important: They provide us food...Read more
Housing and Haystack Rock. Photo by Sonja Peterson.

NOAA Completes Evaluation of Oregon Coastal Management Program

Housing and Haystack Rock. Photo by Sonja Peterson. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has just released the findings that emerged from its review of Oregon’s Coastal Management Program. For the most part, the findings are very positive—and the biggest black mark against Oregon’s coastal program isn’t something that coastal planners and...Read more
Shoreline at Otter Rock. Photo by Kirt Edblom.

Speak Out Now on Offshore Research Priorities

Shoreline at Otter Rock. Photo by Kirt Edblom. Given the predilections of the incoming administration, the possibility of a federal push to allow oil and gas leases or mining permits in federal waters off Oregon’s shore looms larger than it has for a generation. That makes the current public comment period for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)...Read more
Photo of "Oyster" wave energy device in operation.

Rules for Ocean Energy Siting Are on the Horizon

"Oyster" wave energy device in operation. All has been seemingly quiet on the ocean energy front for some years now. It was nearly a decade ago that early prospectors for wave energy sites set off a flurry of interest and concern. The state’s Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) and a subsequent Territorial Sea Plan Working Group began to wrestle with...Read more