TSP Part Five
Use of the Territorial Sea

For the Development of Renewable Energy Facilities or Other Related Structures, Equipment or Facilities (2019)

Part Five of the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan describes the process for making decisions concerning the development of renewable energy facilities (e.g. wind, wave, current, thermal, etc.) in the state territorial sea, and specifies the areas where development may be sited. The requirements of Part Five are intended to protect areas important to renewable marine resources (i.e. living marine organisms), ecosystem integrity, marine habitat and areas important to fisheries from the potential adverse effects of renewable energy facility siting, development, operation, and decommissioning and to identify the appropriate locations for that development which minimize the potential adverse impacts to existing ocean resource users and coastal communities.

Oregon’s renewable energy portfolio lists ocean energy as a renewable energy source with potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Renewable energy facilities development may present opportunities to apply technologies that rely on wind, wave, current or thermal energy, which may potentially reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Oregon prefers to develop renewable energy through a precautionary approach that supports the use of pilot projects and phased development in the initial stages of commercial development. If developed in a responsible and appropriate manner, in accordance with the requirements of this Part and other applicable state and federal authorities, renewable ocean energy may help preserve Oregon’s natural resources and enhance our quality of life.

Download TSP Part Five

Download TSP Part Five Appendix B - Maps

View a slideshow for the amendment of TSP Part Five, May 2019