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Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports, directing DOJ to enforce; Educators voice concern for PA immigrant student protections; WA rent stabilization bills have huge public support; ME benefits from $2.2 billion in federal clean energy investments.

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Nationwide protests erupt against federal policies, Indiana's EV infrastructure expansion stalls due to a funding freeze, and Washington state pushes for rent stabilization to combat rising housing costs.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Reports show ME clean energy projects can include wildlife protections

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Monday, December 23, 2024   

Wildlife advocates say it's possible to transition to renewable energy while protecting vital habitats and species.

As Maine builds out its offshore wind infrastructure, advocates want regulators to use available data regarding seabed habitats when citing transmission cables.

Veronica Ung-Kono is a transmission specialist with the National Wildlife Federation. She said wind energy is critical to countering the climate crisis - but species like lobster, oysters, and crabs help sustain the ocean ecosystem.

"Because those cables will be buried under the seafloor," said Ung-Kono, "it's incredibly important that those species are prioritized in that decision-making process."

Ung-Kono said two new reports provide a summary of research regarding wildlife and the power grid both on and offshore, and where data gaps remain.

State officials aim to produce up to three gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2040.

The federal government has already approved a wind research station off the southern coast of Maine, which could include up to dozen floating turbines.

The state is aiming for 100% clean energy by 2050 and Gov. Janet Mills has signed legislation to ensure it's built with high labor and environmental standards.

The National Wildlife Federation's Offshore Wind Senior Policy Specialist Shayna Steingard said biodiversity should remain a priority, too.

"Climate change presents an existential threat to all species, particularly ocean species," said Steingard. "The threats from offshore wind development pale in comparison to the threats from not addressing climate change. There is no climate solution without offshore wind."

Steingard said researchers have identified previously used regulatory mechanisms to protect ocean species and better inform regulator decision-making.

She said developers can be required to create anchoring plans for wind turbines and buffers to avoid sensitive habitats, while reducing impacts on wildlife from the electromagnetic fields.




Disclosure: National Wildlife Federation contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Endangered Species & Wildlife, Energy Policy, Water. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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