Members of the “Oregonians Against Wind Turbines” PAC have successfully convinced the commissioners of Coos and Curry County to put an advisory vote on the ballot for the upcoming November General Election. This marks the first time in the nation that a county has decided to seek voter opinion on a wind energy project in their area.

On August 06, 2024, the Coos County Board of Commissioners passed a measure to place an advisory question on the ballot, asking voters if they wanted the board to oppose the offshore wind energy project. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has established two call areas off the coast of southern Oregon available for lease.

The wind turbine advisory question on the November General Election ballot reads:

“Should County Commissioners work to oppose the installation of a 95 square mile, deep floating wind farm off our coast?”

A ‘YES’ vote means voters want Coos County Commissioners to work in opposition to the Offshore Wind Energy Project, while a ‘NO’ vote means voters do not want the Commissioners to oppose it.

In a significant turn of events, Coos County Commissioner John Sweet, who initially stated he would vote against placing an advisory question on the ballot, changed his mind after listening to passionate public comments. This decision was seen as a testament to the power of civic engagement.

The following day, on August 07, 2024, the Curry County Board of Commissioners passed a similar measure to put an advisory question on the November ballot.

The Curry County ballot question reads:

“Should offshore floating wind turbine development along the Curry County, Oregon coast be stopped?”

A ‘YES’ vote means voters want the wind turbine development to be stopped, while a ‘NO’ vote indicates support for the offshore wind turbine development.

Despite unanimous support from the Curry County Commissioners, the Chair of the Board highlighted concerns raised by Ryan Nelson, a political and legislative representative with Labors International Union of North America Local 737. According to Nelson, the county has no legal authority to ban an offshore wind project, as the areas under consideration are entirely within federal waters. This could lead to costly legal challenges should the measure be referred and passed by voters.

Economic Impact

The development and operation of offshore wind farms present significant challenges. The turbines, costing billions of dollars, will be constructed by foreign workers outside the USA. This could replace local permanent jobs with temporary construction jobs filled by workers from outside the area. U.S. taxpayers will bear the financial burden, with locals unable to use the energy generated by the turbines. Additionally, the higher costs associated with offshore floating turbines could result in increased energy prices, affecting low-income households and small businesses.

OAWT describes the impacts of offshore turbines.

Environmental Impacts

There are several environmental concerns associated with offshore floating wind turbines:

• Destruction of marine ecosystems
• Decline in populations of whales, porpoises, dolphins, and crabs
• Reduction in coastal biodiversity
• Negative changes in wind, wave, and atmospheric patterns
• Habitat destruction and disruption of the food chain
• Electromagnetic field effects from power cables
• Pollution of seawater, beaches, and the food chain from toxic materials
• Noise pollution
• Increased navigation risks
• Social & Cultural Impacts

Offshore wind farms could lead to significant disruptions in coastal communities:

• The fishing industry may suffer due to restricted access to fishing grounds and habitat disruption.
• The visual impact of turbines could harm tourism.
• Eminent domain could threaten public and private land, affecting social and cultural heritage.
• The towering structures will mar the natural beauty of coastal areas.

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-09-05 12:44:24

Last Update: 2024-09-05 13:16:39