Birds and Clean Energy

Transitioning to clean energy reduces pollution, slows the rise in global temperatures, and provides the pathway to a more sustainable future. This is crucial for frontline communities and the hundreds of bird species that face devastating range loss and extinction due to climate change. That’s why Audubon supports utility-scale clean energy and transmission development.

Projects must be sited and operated with birds and people in mind. Thankfully, there are well-tested solutions informed by science that can be implemented to alleviate risks. Audubon works with clean energy developers, local communities, federal and state agencies, and conservation partners to ensure the least impact on bird habitat and migration routes.

The climate threat facing birds is urgent. To achieve a future where both people and wildlife thrive, we need to rapidly build out photovoltaic (PV) solar and onshore and offshore wind infrastructure – as well as transmission lines to bring that power to the people who need it. By advocating for responsible and community-centered planning, we can protect birds from the worst impacts of climate change while preserving the places we all need.

100

Gigawatts of renewable energy generation and transmission responsibly sited by 2028

~75

Million homes powered by 100 GW

~340

Million people provided with power from 100 GW

Did You Know?

UV light and Sandhill Cranes. Photo: James Dwyer

Audubon Washington helped lead state efforts to identify utility-scale PV solar siting locations that present the least conflict to wildlife and communities.
An ultraviolet light-based system for transmission lines installed at Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary has dramatically reduced Sandhill Crane collisions.
Audubon has worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on permits under the Endangered Species Act that avoid harm to California Condors at wind projects.

What We're Doing

1

Engaging on the responsible expansion of renewable energy.

Staff advocate for policies, planning, and projects that effectively avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts on birds.

2

Calling for the rapid deployment of well-sited transmission.

To power a clean energy future, we need to scale up transmission capacity while implementing bird-friendly solutions outlined in our Birds and Transmission report.

3

Weighing in on enforcement of federal laws and permitting policies for bird species protected by them.

Improvements to clean energy permitting would strengthen bird protections under the Endangered Species Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Great Egrets fly near transmission lines. Photo: Camilla Cerea/Audubon

Birds and Transmission: Building the Grid Birds Need

Audubon’s 2023 report lays out the need for faster transmission deployment, as well as responsible siting and operation, and shares the latest science on minimizing impacts through bird-friendly solutions.

Learn more