The proposed rule change to amend the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan (TSP) for marine renewable energy development is still in the draft development stage.

The Territorial Sea Plan Advisory committee (TSPAC) must provide a recommendation on the proposed rule amendments. Further, the Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) will review the rule and provide its recommendation before it is considered for adoption by the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC).

The rule, should it be adopted, is anticipated to incorporate by reference three additions to the TSP. The first is a map designating areas appropriate for marine renewable energy development in the territorial seas. The second will be the project review standards and criteria for energy development in the territorial seas. The second will be the project review standards and criteria for determining the possible adverse impacts of that development on protected marine resources and uses. The regulatory standards would apply to the different types of marine resource and use areas that are delineated in the map. Finally, there may be some additional changes to Part Five of the TSP as it relates to the make-up and role of the Joint Agency Review Team in carrying out its responsibilities in conducting the regulatory review process; the expansion in scope and location of the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NMREC) and Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC); and the incorporation of text changes requested by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to meet federal requirements. The final draft documents will comprise the plan amendment proposal are not available and will not be until later this fall at the earliest.

You can track progress of the TSPAC, which is the rulemaking advisory committee, at the Land Conservation and Development Commission's website.