Please join us for the May General Meeting on May 26th at 6pm on Zoom. If you haven’t ever attended a general meeting, check it out.

Here is the Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84370554552?pwd=V2phMDBOUlNiS3hLL1BQSHNIVDFTQT09

Featured will be a presentation by our Offshore Wind Committee.

Below is the agenda and the draft position paper.

AGENDA: 350 Humboldt General Meeting Thursday May 26, Six PM

Facilitator: Laura Simpson

Notes and Chat Monitor: Dan Chandler

Present:

1)    Land Acknowledgement:

“350 Humboldt would like to acknowledge that where we live and hold our meetings in Humboldt County is on unceded territory and the ancestral homeland of indigenous nations which include Tolowa, Hupa, Karuk, Mattole, Wailaki, Wiyot, and Yurok.

We thank indigenous nations who have been caretakers of the land. Additionally, we recognize that the well-being of all people is bound up with that of indigenous peoples, and we must all take action on the climate.”

Therefore we are compelled to recognize the efforts of the Coyote Valley Pomo Indians in Mendocino County to save the old growth in the Jackson Demonstration Forest, a state run forest that is supposed to make decisions jointly with the Pomo but has not. A number of them have been arrested in protests over the past several months. Coalition to Save Jackson Demonstration State Forest seeks change from its current timber focus, to one that is focused on carbon storage and the protection of Native American sacred sites.

Matt Simmons of EPIC provides this update:

1) CAL FIRE has agreed to rewrite the Jackson Demonstration State Forest Mgmt plan 4 years early.

2) CAL FIRE has offered to save many of the largest trees in the controversial Caspar 500 THP

Chairman Michael Hunter is accepting donations for this campaign at https://www.pomolandback.com/support-us

PLAY VIDEO

https://www.pomolandback.com

You can also see: https://savejackson.org/

2)    Main discussion: A presentation of the Off Shore Wind Committee – Mary Sanger and members.  Please see the draft position paper at: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mvwocmi6fgdv7vb/Proposed%20draft%20of%20OSW%20position%20paper%20May%2023_22.pdf?dl=0 or below

3)    Discussion of rally – ideas for doing something different

4)     Committees

·      Book club – Deborah

·      Legislative

·      CAP – Deborah

·      Action and Outreach (and art) – Nancy and Gail

·      Nordic fish factory – Dan

6)         Other issues?

 

7)        Poem

Do/Do Not

Nisha Atalie

I sniff the blooming tiger lily,
two tongues sprung open
from one mouth.

I poison the river unintentionally.
I walk on the designated paths.

I splice the mountain, its body and mouth gaping.
I collect rainwater in a wheelbarrow.

I line the whale’s belly with gifts until
they rupture its stomach.
I water the strawberries.

Again I fill my gas tank with dead things,
generations spun together until shiny.
I feed the ducks fresh lettuce.

I maneuver the dead squirrel
on the road, mark the moment
when creature becomes meat.

I accept that my love is a
poisonous flower, routinely fatal.

I calculate the force of
loving in each glittering death.

All day on this land, in the
deep forest, the electric greens and
still-wet mud writhe with life.

The pond gurgles and whispers.
Everyone here knows to shudder
when they see me coming.

The mangos arrive unbruised
at the grocery store.
The wolves should start running.

Copyright © 2022 by Nisha Atalie. Originally published in Poem-a-Day on May 7, 2022, by the Academy of American Poets.


DRAFT

350 HUMBOLDT POSITION PAPER

HUMBOLDT OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY PROJECT

This paper reflects the position of 350 Humboldt on the Humboldt Offshore Wind Energy Project as of May 2022 based on current available information. There is still a lot to be determined about the project as it goes forward. We are committed to a good project done right. We will be monitoring and assessing the project as it evolves and amend our position as needed.

350 HUMBOLDT’S MISSION

350 Humboldt is a local, grassroots climate activist organization affiliated with the national and international 350.org. It is our mission to bring down the amount of carbon in the atmosphere from over 400 parts per million to 350 ppm, a level that scientists consider safe to preserve life as we know it. In order to do that, we need to keep fossil fuels in the ground while swiftly transitioning to an equitable carbon free future. We work to advance strong climate policy at local, state and federal levels, to promote rapid financial divestment from the fossil fuel industry, to support renewable infrastructure and to oppose new fossil fuel infrastructure. 350 Humboldt’s commitment to fighting our climate crisis is framed by our equal commitment to a socially just transition to a fossil-free, safer and healthier future.

The heart of the matter is that we are a planet in peril. To avoid irreversible damage to the earth, we must reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses rapidly. Climate disasters are happening with increasing frequency and intensity. Our habitable earth is shrinking, and the clock is ticking. What we have failed to do in the last 25 years, we must now address as a crisis.

 

URGENCY OF CLIMATE CHANGE

There are six overarching facts about climate change that form the context for evaluating the offshore wind project and, indeed, any project that may contribute to or reduce climate change.

1.These are the basic facts of climate change that are no longer in question:

– It is happening;

– It is caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gasses and the loss of carbon sequestration;

– Without drastic societal changes the world will warm rapidly with catastrophic consequences for billions of people and extinction for up to 25% of wild species.

Paradoxically, the delay in action has allowed science to become ever more certain.

2. The consequence of climate change will affect all humans but some societies, especially in the global south, will be affected most. These societies have contributed least to the problem. Objectively in terms of greenhouse gasses emitted, the United States has contributed the most over the last 200 years. In most moral or ethical systems this fact would assign persons in the US a large responsibility for mitigating climate change.

3. The history of fossil fuel energy extraction and production is one of exploitation and oppression of Indigenous and disadvantaged persons by large corporations and governments, often acting together. There are dangers that these same injustices will affect efforts to move the world to renewables. We must be alert to this possibility and take effective actions to prevent further exploitation.

4. The dangers of climate change can be reduced only if all parts of the world act collaboratively. Yet, absent the existence of a world government, there is great difficulty in negotiating the actions that must be taken, as actors can always debate whether any given action is required of them. 350 Humboldt affirms that almost universally it is.

5. A fundamental dilemma is that no local action in itself will affect the course of climate change, but without strong local actions across the world, we will fail. Most local decision-making processes privilege local and current stakeholders over worldwide and future stakeholders, running the risk that necessary local actions will fail to be enacted.

6. Mitigating climate change requires, in the short run, drastic actions that have societal costs. But in the long run, these costs pale compared to the costs of not acting. The science of climate change has demonstrated that the faster we act, the more we gain in the long run. But the more rapid the change, the more resistance it encounters.

 

STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL GOALS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

California has enacted ambitious legislation to help build renewables utilizing solar, offshore wind, onshore wind, and small hydro.

The 100% Clean Energy Act of 2018 calls for California to be 100% renewable and zero carbon for all retail electric sales by 2045 by increasing the Renewable Energy Portfolio, increasing incrementally with goals set for:

50% renewable power by 2025

60% renewable power by 2030

100% renewable power by 2045

Assembly Bill 525 of 2021 empowers the California Energy Commission to develop a strategic plan for offshore wind to work towards the goal of 100% renewables by 2045.

The California Energy Commission AB 525 working group released their first report May 5, 2022   indicating that there are 21.8 gigawatts of offshore wind potential that is technically feasible off the coast of California. They recommended that the state’s goals be set at:

3 gigawatts by 2030 and 10 to 15 gigawatts by 2045.

On the Federal level , the Biden administration announced plans to achieve 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030.

Locally, Humboldt County’s Community Choice Aggregator , Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), in 2018, adopted the goal of 100% locally resourced renewable energy by 2025 and has been working with a group of offshore wind developers to become one of 10 qualified bidders for the lease auctions in Fall of 2022.

 

350 HUMBOLDT’S ROLES IN RELATION TO WIND PROJECT

350 Humboldt’s roles in relationship to the offshore wind project are the following:

-to stay current on information related to all aspects of the development

-to share that information with the community at large

-to be knowledgeable about the ongoing permitting process, offering comments as appropriate

-to take part in local stakeholder group meetings as they become available

– to promote the accomplishment of the ambitious Federal, State and Local goals for decarbonization realizing that offshore wind is integral to to their achievement

-–to “speak for the climate” by keeping the climate crisis as our central concern while also acknowledging and respecting the concerns of other stakeholders.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), an agency within the Interior Department) has established Humboldt as a Wind Energy Area (WEA) and is moving ahead with plans to auction leases in the Fall of 2022.

The Humboldt Wind Energy Area is located 21 miles offshore of the city of Eureka. There are 132,368 acres (206 square miles) available. The dimensions are 28 miles north to south and 14 miles east to west. BOEM foresees the issuance of up to three leases. A full buildout of the site could potentially generate 1.6 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power 561,750 homes.Following a call for nominations, BOEM identified 10 developers they deemed qualified bidders. Our local CCA, Redwood Coast Energy Authority, and their partners are among the qualified bidders.

Because of the depth of the water at the site, the wind turbines to be installed are floating rather than fixed bottom. The number of turbines will be determined by the developers as they create their Construction and Operations Plan COP for BOEM.

BOEM’s permitting process is expected to take up to five years. During this time, numerous in-depth studies of the project’s environmental and cultural impacts will be conducted. The subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be submitted to the county for review.

The California Energy Commission’s report on AB 525, dated May 5, 2022, stated: “North Coast wind resource is one of the best in the world with high renewable energy potential and wind speeds consistent and favorable for commercial development. But the electric system in California’s north coast is relatively isolated from the California grid and serves primarily local community needs. Additional transmission infrastructure will be needed to deliver offshore wind energy from this region to the grid.” Upgrading transmission infrastructure to accommodate the new source of energy presents a significant challenge.

BENEFITS OF WIND PROJECT

The development of Offshore Wind (OSW) here will significantly contribute to state and local clean energy and climate goals. Transitioning to this renewable energy, as we cut our use of fossil fuels, can allow us to gain electric grid reliability as well as energy independence. OSW will enable us to avoid emitting millions of metric tons of carbon annually.

The co-benefits of OSW are economic gains, health-related improvements and negotiated community benefits.

On the economic front, the project will create well-paid, sustainable jobs during its lifetime, including development, construction, operation, and maintenance. Developing this necessary workforce could include education programs, training, and apprenticeships. Overall, it could bring economic benefits and tax revenues to Humboldt County.

Currently, the Humboldt Bay Harbor District is moving forward with its port upgrade, including infrastructure repair and modernization. This could support an offshore wind project. The plan includes a multi-purpose dock, jetty reconstruction, energy island design, navigation channel deepening, and shoreline protection. In addition, it is possible for this port and harbor upgrade to serve as a primary port for OSW for the entire west coast. Once renovated, the new Heavy Lift Marine Terminal will be capable of handling large heavy cargo vessels, and offshore wind floating platform development, including construction and staging of foundations, manufacturing of components, and final assembly.

The global climate crisis negatively impacts billions of people by affecting basic health requirements: clean air, safe water, sufficient food, and adequate shelter. It also poses new challenges to the control of infectious diseases and increases the pressure on economic and social systems that sustain health.

A May 10, 2022 Draft Scoping Plan of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) “shows an overwhelming benefit for the state by taking action to move forward to carbon neutrality while continuing efforts to increase health equity and resilience in individual communities. Taking action can improve physical and mental health for adults and children, reduce a range of chronic illnesses, and promote improvements in life expectancy.”

The message is clear. We have a “closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all,” as the UN-IPCC states.

Renewable energies will significantly help slash greenhouse gas emissions and create more resilient communities. With increasingly frequent and more extreme climate catastrophes happening now, taking action is imperative for each and all of us.

A community benefits agreement (CBA) is a defined set of commitments made by project proponents and created in coordination with the local community. These commitments are made separate from and in addition to permit conditions or environmental mitigation. These commitments can include a wide range of benefits.

It is important that the Humboldt OSW Community Benefits package is:

-negotiated with developers early in the process;

-monitored throughout the life of the agreement;

-formed through an ongoing transparent dialogue between all stakeholders, Native Tribes,experts and developers;

-mediated through a “trusted local messenger,” preferably local; and

-developed with attention to breaking historical patterns of exploitation and oppression and to providing compensation for communities who will experience loss due to this project

 

Some examples of Community Benefits from other communities include (but are not limited to):

-preference for hiring and buying local whenever possible

-funding internships and trainings

-working with local governments to fund green projects like EV charging stations, expanded electrical infrastructure in homes and communities.

CONCERNS ABOUT WIND PROJECT

The potential negative impacts from this OSW development underscores the critical need for robust monitoring, mitigation measures, and adaptive management. In addition, date transparency, compliance, and enforcement will be imperative throughout. In-depth studies have been initiated and will be ongoing for the next several years.

Environmental concerns span the spectrum of what constitutes the entire biodiversity of the Bay, including species, habitat, and migration patterns. Marine mammals, pelagic and benthic fish, sea turtles, marine birds, bats, water quality, and habitat disturbance are some of the targeted studies. What matters here is how to best mitigate any negative impacts.

“We need to do the right thing in the right way.” (Jennifer Savage, Surfrider Foundation)

Humboldt’s Native Tribes hold a particular and vital place in the OSW project. The impact of developing both off-shore and on-shore infrastructure for a wind project must be completely transparent. As sovereign nations, the Tribes must be included as decision-makers and partners from the outset of consultation throughout the planning process and beyond.

The commercial fishing community is challenged by the prospect of an off-shore wind farm. Any change in livelihood, the loss of a way-of-life, is no small thing. The fishing industry is impacted by operational, legal, and economic challenges ongoing, and will face new challenges in the coming years. There is still much unknown about potential negative impacts. Clearly, it is vitally important that we glean as much necessary information as possible from the years of multiple studies ahead, in order to develop mitigation measures. The role of community benefits agreements will be particularly important to this community. Most important, is their participation in the process, to make every effort to find the best possible solutions.

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACTS

Renewable energy technologies have the potential to advance several goals related to social equity, including improved health benefits, energy resilience and job creation. However, the development of energy technology has traditionally been shaped by existing power structures and social norms, which has disproportionately disadvantaged some communities. Many existing projects involve and benefit groups that are already in privileged positions or have the time and resources to advocate for their well-being. Therefore, there is a need for community engagement processes that have been established with the specific goal of including marginalized and impacted groups in the planning and implementation of energy-related projects.

In efforts to establish distributive justice (the fair distribution of costs and benefits in society), planning and decision-making must include voices from local tribes, rural, low-income, and other marginalized communities. These efforts are especially crucial when development occurs in rural or coastal areas (such as Humboldt County) that are relatively vulnerable in terms of economic or environmental impacts. Inclusion of the interests of Indigenous nations through the community engagement process must be prioritized, as industrial encroachment and development has historically occurred at the expense of these communities and without adequate respect for their sovereignty over unceded ancestral lands (Johnson et al., 2020). It is important to acknowledge that Indigenous nations are not a monolith, and act accordingly—each Indigenous nation has its own customs, practices and goals which may influence their decisions. To support robust and responsible project development, the process must incorporate interdisciplinary perspectives and prioritize strategies from local Indigenous nations which are stakeholders in the project outcome (Leonard, et al., 2020).

Community benefits from renewable energy projects must seek to establish distributive justice and serve the long-term resilience of our local community, which would ultimately be living with this proposed offshore wind farm (Cowell et al., 2012). Concerns from the local community must be addressed in order to focus on issues of justice around wind energy developments and their host locations (Cowell et al., 2012). Renewable energy is crucial to mitigating the climate crisis but technology itself is just one piece of the puzzle. A swift and just transition can only be achieved with inclusive planning that is grounded with an emphasis on social equity considerations.

 

CONCLUSIONS

A. Development of wind off the coast of California is critical to mitigating global warming.

B. OSW can and must advance in an environmentally responsible manner to meet state and national climate and clean energy goals while safeguarding vulnerable habitats, wildlife, communities, and economies. Significant negative impacts on the environment and on people should be mitigated to the extent possible. This may include compensation in the way of community benefits for those who lose some aspect of their current or traditional livelihoods. It certainly includes meeting the standards set out in the BOEM final environmental assessment and the final project EIR.

C. Decisions regarding what is significant and the appropriate mitigation must balance impacts of completing the project with those of no project when no project means acceleration of existing effects of global warming. There will inevitably be situations where a conflict between two values makes these decisions very difficult.

D. Because of the enormity of the consequences if we do not reduce greenhouse gas emissions sufficiently to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, in general the consequences for the world and the future should take precedence over local and present consequences.

For the reasons elaborated above, 350 Humboldt supports the responsible development of the Humboldt Offshore Wind Energy Project.

 

APPENDICES

There are concerns about local bird loss due to wind turbine development. The charts below look at risk to local birds at two levels of global warming if climate change is not mitigated.

Vulnerability to local birds at warming scenarios of +2 C and +3C

 

 

RESOURCES

A. Urgency of Climate Change

  • California’s Legislative Analyst Office released reports in 2022 on the expected impact of climate change on CA. This news story has a link to the actual studies: https://calmatters.org/environment/2022/04/california-climate-change-report-legislature/
  • Nature article summarizing 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on keeping warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-06876-2
  • Nature article summarizing February 2022 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change mitigation report: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00585-7
  • Nature article summarizing April 2022 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change adaptation report: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00951-5

B. State Goals for Offshore Wind

C. Federal Goals for Offshore Wind

D. BOEM Process for Humboldt Wind Energy Area

E. Major offshore wind repositories of studies and data

 

F. BOEM Environmental Assessment of Humboldt Wind Energy Area, May 2022 (preliminary to leasing). See the report, which found no significant environmental impacts of doing the preliminary assessments and the appendices which include excellent data on vessel traffic and fish species in the wind area:

G. Local benefits of the Humboldt wind farm

H. Local action organizations with a primary focus on climate and/or wind energy

  • 350 Humboldt:
  • CORE-Hub:
  • Humboldt Unitarian UniversalistFellowship Climate Action Campaign