California fishing groups sue wind developers to delay marine surveys

The Morro Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Organisation and the Port San Luis Commercial Fishermen’s Organisation are seeking to delay marine surveys until the California Offshore Wind Energy Fisheries Working Group has created a plan to minimise impacts on fishing. 

Equinor had announced that it would start surveys as early as this month until December. 

The plan is mandated by state law. It must be completed by 1 January 2026 and adopted within four months by the California Coastal Commission, which is being sued along with the State Lands Commission.

The suit was filed in San Luis Obispo’s superior court.

Ocean Winds /CPP Investments is seeking to develop the 2GW Golden State project. Invenergy is behind Even Keel Wind, a planned 2GW project. Equinor is developing Atlas Wind. All three are off the coast of central California. 

‘Sharing the ocean’

A spokesperson for Equinor declined to comment on the law suit, filed on February 29, but added: “Upon applicable authorisation by federal and state authorities, we look forward to beginning our Atlas Wind project’s surveying activities. This is an important step toward advancing offshore wind development on the Central Coast and delivering renewable power to Californians.”

Erin Lieberman, executive vice president of environmental compliance and strategy at Invenergy said: “Invenergy is in the early stages of developing its Even Keel Wind (EKW) project and is evaluating options to begin surveys between later this year or early next year. 

“These surveys are carefully designed to minimize potential disturbance to marine mammals and other wildlife. EKW is committed to sharing the ocean responsibly and supporting a healthy marine environment and these surveys help ensure we have the information necessary to do so. Invenergy will provide timely updates to agency staff, Tribes, and other interested stakeholders in advance of survey activities kicking off.”

Ocean Winds/CPP was contacted but had not responded at the time of publication.