Port of Newport resolution 2022-05: Recommendations regarding offshore wind energy

WHEREAS the Port of Newport Commission recognizes that offshore wind energy may be an important component to our state’s transition to cleaner energy; and

WHEREAS the Port of Newport also values the commercial and recreational fishing fleets, as well as the science research vessels from NOAA and OSU, and recognizes their significant economic contributions to the national, state, regional and local economy as well as the Port of Newport; and

WHEREAS harvesters, processors, marine suppliers and more all benefit from Oregon’s sustainable fisheries. Fishing-related jobs can make up as much as 18-20% of the earned income in Lincoln County annually and the seafood industry supports thousands of jobs in rural Oregon. A fishing dollar turns over many times in the community and an authentic working waterfront is also a tremendous draw for the tourism industry; and

WHEREAS the Port of Newport believes certain steps should be taken to ensure that existing ocean users and stakeholders are protected in the process with the following recommendations:

1. Throughout any development process require state and federal agencies to be transparent about the process of identifying and implementing offshore wind developments by embracing the “Oregon Way” public process that includes the Oregon fishing industry, environmentalists, coastal communities, and our state and federal political and congressional delegations, sit down with BOEM as equal partners, develop a rational process with authentic discussion, conduct the requisite EIS analysis, analyze the real costs and benefits, evaluate test sites, and develop a rational decision that minimize costs and maximize benefits to Oregon and the nation.

2. Move all Oregon call areas outside of 1,300 meters to avoid displacing current sustainable fishery activities – these fisheries have great importance to Lincoln County and Oregon’s economies.

3. Enact a moratorium on developing large scale wind turbine farms until all the risks to marine mammals, sea birds, fisheries and the marine environment are clearly understood.

4. Meet all NEPA requirements and conduct a comprehensive programmatic EIS before leases are granted instead of at the end of the process. This includes cumulative impacts and transmission line impacts. Include an analysis of the transmission lines that will bring the energy to shore and examine the cumulative impacts to current ocean users from adjacent wind energy developments in Northern California and Washington.

5. In the absence of a comprehensive peer reviewed economic analysis (as part of an EIS) there is no real understanding of the potential economic impacts to coastal communities and the state of Oregon, and relevant tradeoffs. If we assumed that the Call areas were completely developed the loss of Oregon fishing revenues may total I 0-20% or more of today's value. That would equate to an annual loss of$18-$35 million in exvessel value
and $45-$90 million in local and state household income. Over thirty years (the equivalent of the life expectancy of a windmill) that would equate to the loss of more than a $500 million to $1 billion in exvessel value and $ I.4 to $2.7 billion in household income.

6. Given the considerable fishery values generated from the call areas, the productivity of the California Current System, and the potential impacts to marine species and ecosystems/habitats, we slow down the process because of significant risks and uncertainties.

7. Consider a small demonstration site (like Pac Wave) to test the technology. Floating offshore wind does not currently exist in operation in the United States, and it is unclear whether the technology can withstand the harsh elements of the Pacific Ocean.

NOW THEREFORE, THE PORT OF NEWPORT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

The General Manager of the Port is directed to send a letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and to the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) highlighting the above listed recommendations.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS this May 24, 2022.