Climate action is necessary for the protection and healthy development of birds. Audubon Mid-Atlantic is fully committed to the creation and expansion of renewable energy sources to combat climate change. Conservation is important to Audubon, as is the mitigation of potential habitat loss in the development of renewable energy sources. We recognize that even well-sited wind turbines and solar arrays will have some negative impacts on birds, but ultimately, we believe the cost to birds of continuing high carbon emissions is far greater. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are key for healthy bird populations. The Mid-Atlantic region is prone to climate disasters like flooding, sea-level rise, and unstable weather patterns which will continue to worsen if we do not transition to appropriately sited renewable energy. 

Renewable Energy Policy Priorities

• Supporting the responsible and rapid deployment of utility-scale wind and solar projects to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases polluting the atmosphere

• Advocating for appropriate siting of renewable energy and transmission infrastructure to avoid and minimize the impact on birds and other wildlife

• Preventing fragmentation of forest and other habitats
• Educating energy developers and policy makers about siting best practices for the benefit of birds and humans
• Ensuring that mitigation efforts consider local species and habitat concerns

For more information about clean energy:

https://www.audubon.org/news/how-clean-energy-can-benefit-climate-communities-and-conservation 

Transmission Report: https://www.audubon.org/news/bird-friendly-transmission-fight-climate-change-getting-there-will-take-collective-action 

Offshore Wind: https://www.audubon.org/news/offshore-wind-solvable-problem-birds-climate-change-status-quo-not