As opposition grows, companies are pulling out of a floating offshore wind project in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The number of companies planning to bid for a chance to develop a floating offshore wind project off the Oregon coast is dwindling as strong opposition to the plan remains.

In February, the federal government finalized work on two areas for floating offshore wind farms along the Oregon coast. The move moved the state closer to the commercial development and production of renewable energy sources as part of the fight against climate change.

But opposition from tribes, fishermen and coastal residents highlights some of the challenges facing the plan. Some fear construction will harm marine life, marine habitats, culturally significant areas and ocean views.

Mainstream Renewable Power Inc., one of the companies that planned to bid on the project, told Oregon Public Broadcasting it would no longer participate in the sale scheduled for Oct. 15. Two other companies told the Oregonian/OregonLive that they, too, are withdrawing.

In addition to opposition from tribes and fishermen, community groups have also expressed opposition to the construction of floating offshore wind farms. Coos and Curry counties will vote on whether to oppose wind energy development.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Ocean Energy Management has not confirmed the number of companies participating in the upcoming auction. It also did not indicate whether the auction would have been delayed if only one bidder had submitted the plan.

Oregon Public Broadcasting has contacted all five qualified bidders to confirm their participation. So far, only Mainstream Renewable Power has responded.

The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians sued the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, claiming it failed to consider the environmental, cultural and economic impacts of offshore wind farms. The group hopes to delay the auction scheduled for October 15.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is working to ease tensions over wind energy development. She acknowledged that the federal government’s process to develop the technology “hasn’t gotten off to a good start,” but said the state must explore renewable energy options – including floating offshore wind farms – to meet its climate goals.