Abstract
To meet growing energy demands and climate change goals, the use of renewable energy is increasingly becoming a policy priority globally, nationally, and at the state levels. In Oregon, the use of marine renewable energy and offshore wind remains part of this discussion but has yet to result in operational installations. Social science research on renewable energy looks at how public perceptions, place attachment, and public participation play a role in the success of projects pointing to the role of early public engagement and participation and understanding of local attachments to the place as part of public views and attitudes towards renewable energy projects. Looking more closely at these areas in Oregon along with an understanding of current MRE policy, will perhaps offer insights into an aspect of offshore renewable energy feasibility in Oregon. Looking at recent survey data, interviews with stakeholder organizations, and existing policy indicate that participation and place attachment are important elements of current Oregon marine renewable energy considerations. In a survey on wave energy perceptions, Oregon respondents indicated strong coastal attachment regardless of ideology, age, or distance to coast, and even though the majority of respondents visited the coast on a monthly or less basis. Oregon’s policy framework for offshore renewable energy is fully formed but remains largely untested as only one pilot and one research wave facility have received approval. While federal and state entities share jurisdiction on MRE approvals, Oregon plays a leading role in determining the fate of projects off its coast. Interviews and documents indicated a proactively formed precautionary policy towards MRE which consulted the large number of MRE and ocean stakeholders. While the MRE application and approval process requires public engagement and comment periods, interviews indicated that consideration of local inputs prior to the approval process was desired to ensure an equitable distribution of benefits and to have concerns fully considered. Results indicate early and meaningful engagement of stakeholder views will be crucial for MRE projects in the future.