Newport, OR – Wave energy can help lead Oregon and America into the
clean energy economy.
That was one of the conclusions
reached at a roundtable conversation organized by Oregon’s Senator Jeff
Merkley. Merkley assembled researchers, stakeholders and industry experts
for a wave energy roundtable at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. They
discussed how Oregon can help pioneer a clean energy economy.
“Wave
energy has serious potential to become a huge clean energy source for the
Oregon coast and help boost the local economy,” Merkley said. “But it has
to be developed in partnership with local communities, and in a manner that is
in harmony with the fishing industry and other coastal eco-systems.”
Roundtable presenters included Dr. George Boehlert, Professor of Marine
Fisheries and Director of Hatfield Marine Science Center, Bob Eder, Vice-Chair
of Newport’s Fishermen Involved in Natural Energy Committee (FINE) and fishing
representative for Oregon Wave Energy Trust and Paul Klarin, Marine Affairs
Coordinator, Oregon Department of Land Conservation & Development.