Defenders in Action: Renewable Energy

Developing solar, wind and geothermal energy is critical to battling the climate change and pollution effects of oil and gas drilling. Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for developing renewable energy projects on lands that are already disturbed—for example, abandoned mines and areas fragmented by roads—to minimize the potential for harm to wildlife and their natural habitats.

How We’re Helping

• Defenders serves as a Conservation Stakeholder in the development of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan. We’re also advocating for proper siting of renewable energy facilities as well as a robust conservation plan for all at-risk species and their habitats throughout the desert region.
• We provide science-based comments and recommendations to renewable energy developers, the Bureau of Land Management, and local governments on proposed solar, wind and geothermal projects. Recommendations may include project relocation, protection measures or the purchase of other conservation lands to make up for habitat losses.
• Defenders plays an an active role in the development of and adherence to a set of guidelines for wind energy development at the federal and state levels.
• In 2012, Defenders released a report, “Recommendations for Implementing Smart from the Start Renewable Energy Siting,”  based on an in-depth review of local land-use planning and environmental review processes and proposed energy projects in the San Joaquin Valley.  The recommendations aim to ensure that the most sensitive habitat areas and wildlife are protected, while speeding up the transition to clean,  renewable energy