IT’S NOT OVER, TIME TO PREPARE FOR ROUND 2

October 17, 2024 Rob Taylor

IT’S NOT OVER, TIME TO PREPARE FOR ROUND 2

Press Release:

October 17, 2024

Over a year ago, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) invited local citizens, the surrounding Tribal Nations, major fisheries, and elected officials to attend 'listening sessions.” The published BOEM goal was to capture public comments regarding the large-scale offshore floating wind turbine project the Federal Government intends to develop in the nearshore waters of South Coast Oregon. The feedback to BOEM from attendees was a resounding “NO”.

Oregonians’ opposition to the planned offshore floating wind turbine development was so universal and commanding, that cities, counties, and constituents galvanized in a united front to push back on the BOEM plan. Local governments, commercial groups, Tribal Nations, and Citizens across southern Oregon confronted BOEM with facts regarding the high level of risk associated with the planned offshore turbine project. Oregonians explained the substantial local risk to the ecosystem (marine and terrestrial), the local industries, tourism, and other commercial interests, schools and neighborhoods, and the Coastal Way of Life.

As a result of the widespread campaign in Oregon against the BOEM plan, four of the five corporations that qualified to bid on the project withdrew from the auction. Consequently, on September 27, 2024, BOEM announced a temporary pause in its leasing efforts for the Coos/Curry wind energy areas. Unfortunately, BOEM has not canceled the wind turbine project, and the timeline remains in effect.

ROUND 1 SCORE:

The People – 1 vs BOEM – 0

In Round 2, global energy investors and developers will continue to work with BOEM, Oregon State Agencies, universities, and elected officials to press forward with capturing a share of the billions of tax dollars that are subsidizing offshore wind energy. They will take extraordinary steps to recapture the momentum and steamroll local communities to win Round 2. It has happened elsewhere in the US, and expectations are high that it will happen here.

What specifically might the developers’ next battle plan for offshore floating wind turbines include?

1. Purchase promotional programs to target citizens with highly prejudicial university “studies,” and dispense misleading information intended to divide and normalize the massive risk of this BOEM project.

2. Advertise campaigns intended to spread misinformation across multi-media platforms throughout Round 2.

3. Distribute questionable data and direct payments of money to local professional and civic groups to influence votes, “win friends,” and obscure substantial local risks.

4. Downplay and minimize local concerns about possible commercial, environmental, and cultural degradation by sponsoring local Southern Oregon cultural and community events.

5. Contribute financially to political leaders and influencers, especially “friendly” candidates in contested elections.

The citizens of Coos, Curry, and the Tribal Nations must stay focused on the long-term effort required to win Round 2, and beyond.

Currently, all Coos/Curry Voters must unite and advocate for the coastal way of life by voting 'YES' on Ballot Measures 8-116 and 6-219 to oppose the offshore wind turbines.

Find out more at www.OAWT.org.

About OAWT

Oregonians Against Wind Turbines (OAWT) is a political action committee dedicated to advocating for informed decision-making and community engagement in matters related to wind energy projects in Oregon. Our mission is to ensure that the voices of local residents are heard and considered in the development of renewable energy initiatives.

For more information, please contact Diane Rich or Rob Taylor at OregoniansAgainstWindTurbines@proton.me