The federal government has been pursuing offshore wind energy leases from Maine to Texas and along the California Coast. Now they are studying the offshore areas along Oregon and Washington. In August, the Department of Interior finalized its environmental assessment for leasing offshore wind near Coos Bay despite residents and fishery groups opposition, declaring that issuing leases will have “no significant impact to people or the environment.” In Coos County, the people believe that their request for more studies and delays fell on deaf ears.

A large 250 square mile area is being targeted for developing over 2,000 megawatts of offshore wind just 40 miles west of Surfside. In addition to environmental concerns, the economic impact on power rates will be significant. Development of 2,000 megawatts of offshore wind, with floating towers, will cost over $76 billion and the onshore transmission improvements will cost over $1 billion.

Is it a cost-effective energy supply? The simple answer is no. The economic argument that Washington utilities need offshore wind to help diversify their energy portfolio and provide more cost-effective power supplies is not substantiated by projected cost of this power. I have yet to see how it will be profitable without large federal financial subsidies.

The economics of offshore wind in California or Maine are not the same as in the Pacific Northwest. We should be cautious of ambitious climate goals that establish mandates for offshore wind development. The simple reality is Pacific Northwest hydroelectric power dominates the marketplace. The average cost of residential power on the east coast is 30 cents per kilowatt hour (kwh). In California, the average cost is 35 cents/kwh. Compare that to the average residential cost of power in Washington of 12 cents/kwh, and in Pacific County, PUD residential rates are 6.34 cents /kwh. The harsh reality is that offshore wind is incredibly costly. Policymakers need to understand that ratepayers and taxpayers simply don’t want to pay more. I am opposed to offshore wind development because it will drive up power rates and negatively impact regional fisheries.

DAVID MCCLAIN

PUD Commissioner Candidate