CALL TO ACTION - submit a written e-comment on the California Energy Commission’s Strategic Plan for California Offshore Wind to meet the goals in AB525.
NOTE: Deadline has been extended to April 22, 2024 for submission of comments.
Here is the link for e-comments, which is also on the California Energy Commission website - Docket number - 17-MISC-01
https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/Ecomment/Ecomment.aspx?docketnumber=17-MISC-01
AB525 is a lengthy document - here are some helpful tips for written e-comments on the draft study:
1) While touting the benefits of California job creation, in the construction phase only 20 jobs would be onsite in Morro Bay, while 900 would occur in the manufacturing and staging/integration sites in Long Beach, Humboldt and elsewhere (page 42). During ongoing operations (2030 onward); onsite jobs in Morro Bay would increase to 100, while there would be 584 jobs elsewhere.
2) In discussing the marine life risks, no mention was made of potential impact on Morro Bay's #1 tourist attraction, the sea otters.
3) There is mention that the offshore floating cabling and sub-station technology necessary for these deep waters were not yet commercially available.
4) There is also mention that there had been no research done on the impact of the very high level EMF field effect from these (commercially unavailable) floating cables on marine life and fisheries.
5) An operations and maintenance center to be located in the Morro Bay harbor was assumed. This would require a 300' wharf length and 20-30' harbor depth, as well as 9-16 boat berths.
6) The document indicated there would inevitably be displacement of other harbor recreational, tourism and fishing activities due to the dredging, construction, necessary warehousing as well as berth requirements.
7) The "community benefits agreement" in the issued leases calls for $27M total to be distributed over several years among parties who are damaged by offshore wind (i.e., "mitigated") including tourism, fishermen, tribes and underserved communities which seems a tiny amount, given the potential impact.
8) In summary, Morro Bay would be paying all costs, while receiving minimal benefits, as confirmed by the state.