Creation Covenant Alliance

Oregon Delays Floating Wind Lease Auction

The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management postponed the lease sale for offshore wind areas off Oregon due to low bidder interest.
Oregon Floating Wind Lease Sale Postponed

The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has postponed the lease sale for offshore wind areas in federal waters off Oregon. The US federal agency announced on 27 September that the auction was delayed due to insufficient bidder interest.

BOEM issued the Final Sale Notice (FSN) for two lease areas offshore Oregon on 29 August, setting the auction date for 15 October and identifying five companies as eligible bidders: Avangrid Renewables, BlueFloat Energy Oregon, OW North America Ventures, US Mainstream Renewable Power, and South Coast Energy Waters I.

However, since the FSN was issued, BOEM received bidding interest from only one of the five qualified companies and has now decided to postpone the Oregon auction.

“In determining a future opportunity for a potential lease sale, BOEM will continue to collaborate with representatives from federal, state and local agencies and Tribal governments, to coordinate on potential leasing and support ongoing stakeholder engagement processes on broader offshore wind considerations, such as the state-led development of a strategic roadmap for offshore wind,” the federal agency said on 27 September.

The two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) that were scheduled for lease sale next month, the Coos Bay WEA and the Brookings WEA, have the potential to accommodate up to 3.1 GW of installed offshore wind capacity.

Areas in the federal waters off Oregon are deemed most suitable for floating wind technology.

“Oceantic Network supports BOEM’s decision today to advance offshore wind energy responsibly in Oregon. The West Coast is an emerging market that will require new technologies. Regional supply chain coordination is key to a successful rollout of offshore wind energy, and we are seeing the region advance: California has set new offtake goals and allocated funding for ports and transmission, and with Gov. Inslee’s support, Washington State Maritime Blue formed the Blue Wind Supply Chain Collaborative to promote local manufacturing for offshore wind components,” Sam Salustro, vice president of strategic communication at Oceantic Network, said in a statement following BOEM’s announcement that the Oregon auction was being postponed.

“Oceantic is confident that Oregon will soon join other states in the development of offshore wind projects as conversations continue and supply chain opportunities materialize.”





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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



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Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



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Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



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