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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, conservation partners, and other stakeholders 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.
![UV light and Sandhill Cranes. Photo: James Dwyer](https://media.audubon.org/2024-01/Web_UV-light-and-sandhill-cranes-James-Dwyer.jpg?width=927&height=687&auto=webp&quality=10&fit=crop&enable=upscale&blur=100)
- 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
Birds and Transmission: Building the Grid Birds Need
Finding Clean Energy Solutions in Eastern Washington
What Offshore Wind Energy Can Teach Us About Seabirds
Clean Energy News
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![An eagle flying in front of the sun.](https://media.audubon.org/2024-01/Web_Aud_APA-2021_Bald-Eagle_A1_12120-5_TS_Photo-Rajan-Desai.jpg?width=233&height=200&auto=webp&quality=10&fit=crop&disable=upscale&enable=upscale&blur=100)
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