Wind Energy
World-wide energy development is expected to grow dramatically over the next 20 years. Wind energy development is increasing due to renewable portfolio standards (RPS) being developed in states across the country and pressure to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and other energy sources.
State fish and wildlife agencies are involved in different aspects of wind power development and to different degrees (e.g., consultation with developers, review of permits, cooperation with other states agencies and utility regulators). However, when it comes to impacts on wildlife, relatively little is known about how to predict mortality events and impacts associated with degradation or loss of habitat. Direct, indirect and cumulative impacts analysis are often lacking and state fish and wildlife agencies are facing numerous challenges when it comes to managing wildlife resources while trying to balance growing energy requirements.
In response, the Association established a Wind Energy Subcommittee mission to work cooperatively with public and private interests to protect fish and wildlife resources and their habitats during the exploration, development and production of wind energy.
Wind Energy Subcommittee Charge
Association's Position Statement on Wind Energy Impacts on Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat
American Wind Wildlife Institute
In September 2008, the membership approved the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency's role as a founding member of the American Wind Wildlife Institute (AWWI). Jeff Vonk (SD) sits on the Board of Directors as the Association's representative.
AWWI held its first Board of Directors meeting on October 2-3, 2008 in Washington, DC. To date, 13 wind energy companies and eight wildlife/conservation organizations have agreed to join the Institute.
AWWI's mission is to facilitate timely and responsible development of wind energy while protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat. The organization has four key initiatives.
Wildlife Research: AWWI will identify and pursue key research questions. Information from data collected will be used to assist industry and decision makers in making informed siting decisions in relation to wildlife issues.
Sustainable Growth Planning (Landscape Mapping): Maps will be developed that will identify both sensitive wildlife areas at potential wind development sites and large areas that are likely to have low wildlife risk where wind development could be prioritized for project development at state and regional scales.
Biodiversity Banking:
Cost-effective and predictable regional mitigation banking solutions will be developed to address the impacts of large scale growth of the wind industry.
Education/Outreach/Training:
As part of its collaborative approach to seeking answers, AWWI will educate regional wind industry trade associations, conservation/environmental organizations and government agencies on the mission of AWWI and results of wildlife research findings. AWWI will also share lessons learned and success stories for industry and wildlife conservation organizations to use in publications and other media campaigns.
For more information, visit AWWI’s website at http://www.awwi.org/home.php.
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Wind Energy Contacts
Deb Hahn
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Migratory Bird Coordinator
202/624-8917
dhahn@fishwildlife.org |
