Letter: We can’t fight the ‘Green energy’ issue being pushed down out throats

I received from Washington State University a survey request concerning my opinion about the floating offshore wind energy being proposed for Oregon’s southern coast by the government’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. (BOAM) The request also included a map showing the proposed ocean areas being considered for these platforms and windmills. The mapped area that affects Brookings Harbor looks to start near Smith River CA and goes north pass Gold Beach. This is a coastal land mileage of approximately 50 miles. The ocean area starts at about 12 miles and goes out to 50 miles from shore.

How will the fishing industry both recreational and commercial access the deeper fishing grounds? I have heard that there are to be Pathways through these platforms, but their map was showing nothing. I believe the routes to be given will not be the direct routes we now have and will add additional water miles to the fishing grounds. What are the ecology effects of the windmill vibrations and large platform shadow areas?

There is already a loss of ocean kelp and coral beds due to what I understand is a lack of sunlight. This loss of sunlight due to the platforms will affect the fish, mammals and other ocean creatures that use these environments for food and occupancy. What will be the effect to the birds and mammals these huge structures will have on their environment? I don’t understand why BOAM is reinventing the wheel. These wind systems have not been cost effective in Europe or on the eastern coast of the United States.

There will also be the ocean salt corrosion problem affecting the platforms and windmills. You will have to dispose of the contaminate materials in landfill dumps and use more energy to manufacture these replacement parts. That is making them “not so cost effective or GREEN!) Finally, I don’t believe we can fight this GREEN energy ocean windmill system being pushed down our throat. There is just too much money to be made by the people pushing this idea and a huge source of revenue for the government politicians.

Gary Hartung

Brookings