For Immediate UseContact: Garrison Frost
October 1, 2007(323) 951-9620
Audubon California applauds California Energy Commission approval of new wind power guidelines
Organization played a key early role in bringing industry and environmentalists to the table
Sacramento, CA – Representatives from Audubon California today applauded the California Energy Commission’s unanimous approval last week of new voluntary guidelines that will aide the development of this important alternative energy resource while protecting wildlife. The approval is seen by Audubon California as a model for other states, as well as the federal government.
“The widespread support for these guidelines shows that we don’t have to choose between addressing global warming and protecting our wildlife,” said Glenn Olson, executive director of Audubon California. “Once again, California is leading the way.”
Audubon California’s involvement in the guidelines was prompted by the efforts of two of its local chapters – Los Angeles Audubon Society and Golden Gate Audubon Society – to address the hazards that improperly sited turbines posed to local bird populations. In 2006, Audubon California hosted an initial meeting in Los Angeles that brought together some of the key players from both the wind power industry and wildlife conservation to discuss possible solutions. It was these initial discussions that ultimately led to the 80-page “Guidelines to Reduce Impacts of Windpower on Birds and Bats” that the CEC approved last week.
“This was a great process that led to a great result,” said Julia Levin, who as Audubon California’s State Policy Director played a key role in the negotiations that culminated in the guidelines, and who has since moved on to become the National Audubon Society’s global warming campaign director. “A number of environmental groups supported the guidelines, as did a number of wind power companies.”
About Audubon California
Audubon California is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of Audubon. This relationship links Audubon California to a national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engaging millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.
More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.
