Ore. agency: Wave energy possible in 4 areas

"No other state has anything like this for ocean development," said Susan Allen, director of Our Ocean, part of the Pew Environmental Group. She was a member of an advisory group for the plan.

"Ocean users wanted to shape where (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) would allow renewable energy planning. We spent a long time identifying all the important economic, ecological and cultural areas," where development would not be allowed.

The plan goes to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for approval. Then it will be used by FERC in making decisions on wave energy projects.

The plan does not include a location for the Pacific Marine Energy Center, where Oregon State University and the University of Washington plan to build a wave energy testing center. Located about five miles off shore, that site is outside state territorial waters.