The Oregon Department of Land Conservation(ODLC) is planning an amendment to the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan, which will include specification of areas for development of marine renewable energy.
So far, the proposed sites include offshore areas of Langlois, Gold Beach, Lakeside, Reedsport, Waldport, Newport and Pacific City. Several more will be selected before voting on the amendment, according to The World Link news site.
Recently, a study revealed that 78% of Oregon coastal residents support development of ocean wave energy. Among those opposed to ocean wave energy development, the top concerns were raised by local fishermen who claim that it could hurt commercial fishing.
This has also been an issue during a public meeting held by the state representatives on Thursday, when fishermen expressed their disappointment on the proposal, saying that a huge area of precious fishing ground would be taken away.
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Offshore WIND Staff, November 5, 2012