OR - Coos County Commissioners seek community feedback before passing proclamation against BOEM

During a public meeting Tuesday, Commissioner Bob Main read through a proclamation he drafted, urging the board to make clear its stance against BOEM's proposed wind energy area (WEA) off Coos Bay.

Main, along with Commissioner Rod Taylor, were vocal about the negative impacts they anticipate from the wind turbines, with Taylor siding with Main's desire to approve the proclamation.

"Electromagnetic radiation disrupts migration patterns of sea mammals, whereas wind turbulence from windmills eliminates plankton, thus eliminating food sources for whales and other plankton feeders," said Main. "Wind farms cause local warming and less precipitation. Windmill blades can get up to speeds of 100 miles per hour which kills sea birds."

Commissioner John Sweet opposed pushing the proclamation through Tuesday, despite a looming public comment deadline on Monday, October 16.

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Read also

BOEM extends comment period for Oregon Draft Wind Energy Area, KPIC News / October 10, 2023

Coos County Commissioners oppose offshore wind energy project; public meetings and protests scheduled

DOE and BOEM issue 'action plan' for offshore wind, Coastal Point / October 05, 2023

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"This offshore wind thing is being pushed along a little too fast at the peril of our fishery, at the peril of our citizens," said Sweet. "I'm kind of reluctant to approve something like this on behalf of all of the citizens of Coos County or event the majority of the citizens without having a public hearing. We vote today, the green community will say the decision was made behind closed doors."

Residents at the meeting landed on both sides of the discussion, with the board ultimately moving to vote during their special public work session already scheduled for Thursday to gather public comment.

That meeting is happening at the Sawdust Theatre at 120 N. Adams St. in Coquille at 6:30 p.m.

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