In recent months, two wave energy projects have been proposed off the Oregon coast. New Jersey-based Ocean Power Technologies filed a pre-application permit in July with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a commercial wave project in Reedsport. Under the proposal, electricity would be generated from buoys in a wave park about 2.5 miles off the coast and anchored in water about 165 feet deep. More recently, Lincoln County filed an application with FERC for a wave energy project that would be a partnership between public and private entities. According to Lincoln County reps, the project has the long-term potential to meet the entire county’s energy needs. Surfrider is working to gather information on potential benefits and costs, as well as provide opportunities for local members to particpate in these upcoming federal permitting processes. For more information: http://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/communications/special.html