The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians are suing the U.S. government, challenging an upcoming offshore wind energy auction off the Oregon coast. The tribe claims that the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) conducted an insufficient environmental analysis, raising concerns over potential impacts to marine ecosystems and cultural resources.
Lawsuit Challenges Narrow Environmental Review
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Oregon, alleges that BOEM’s review of the offshore wind project failed to adequately address environmental and cultural concerns. The tribe argues that the analysis was rushed, influenced by a “predetermined political decision,” and did not fully consider the potential effects of offshore wind development on marine habitats, fish species, and the tribe’s cultural heritage.
“The lifestyle and culture of the Tribe is tied to Oregon’s rich coastal and marine waters, which support countless species of seabirds, marine mammals, fisheries, aquatic plants, and dramatic landscapes,” the lawsuit states. “The area cannot sustain a drastic change in its workforce and culture, which will occur because of offshore wind projects.”
Auction Plans and Environmental Concerns
BOEM plans to hold an auction on October 15 for leases on roughly 195,000 acres along the Oregon coast. Two zones have been designated: one located 32 miles off Coos Bay and another 8 miles from the shore of Brookings, near the California border. The auction is part of the Biden administration’s goal to generate 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030.
BOEM released an environmental assessment in August, concluding that the issuance of leases would not result in significant environmental or societal impacts. However, the tribes argue that little is known about the potential consequences of developing offshore wind farms, particularly regarding fish habitats, marine mammals, and tribal cultural resources.
Tribal Concerns Over Marine Ecosystems and Cultural Impact
The Confederated Tribes emphasize that the coastal and marine environments are integral to their way of life. The lawsuit points out that the environmental review did not adequately assess the impacts of constructing and operating wind energy facilities, which could disrupt marine ecosystems and the cultural resources tied to the tribes’ ancestral lands.
The tribe contends that more comprehensive studies are needed before moving forward with offshore wind development. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, however, has maintained that any leases issued will not authorize immediate construction and that each project will undergo further environmental review.
BOEM and Biden Administration’s Clean Energy Goals
The U.S. Department of Energy views floating offshore wind energy as crucial to transitioning coastal population centers to clean energy. The administration has also touted the potential economic benefits, predicting the creation of thousands of jobs in wind energy manufacturing, installation, and operations.
BOEM spokesperson Tracey Moriarty declined to comment on the pending litigation, while the agency continues to move forward with its auction plans.
