Senator Reid promotes responsible renewable energy development

Bill could help ensure renewable projects are “smart from the start”

Summary:

• “Clean Energy, Community Investment, and Wildlife Conservation Act” would help the U.S. transition to the clean energy economy
• Renewable energy development must be done “smart from the start,” including proper safeguards for wildlife and natural habitats
• Defenders of Wildlife applauds Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s leadership in promoting clean, safe renewable energy development

WASHINGTON (July 16, 2010) – The following is a statement from Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife, regarding Senate Majority Leader Reid’s “Clean Energy, Community Investment, and Wildlife Conservation Act”:

“Senator Reid’s ‘Clean Energy, Community Investment, and Wildlife Conservation Act’ would create a framework for developing renewable energy on public lands in an environmentally-sound and efficient way. Encouraging the rapid development of clean, safe, responsible renewable energy development is the right thing to do.

“It’s vitally important that solar and wind projects be located in the right places, avoiding important wildlife, key habitats and unique wild lands. When properly planned from the start, solar and wind projects can avoid or minimize impacts on the environment and natural resources, providing better protection for wildlife and public lands, and greater certainty for project proponents and investors that their project will be successful.

“Senator Reid’s bill would also help ensure that taxpayers get a fair and equitable return for the commercial use of their public lands, and that local communities share in the revenues. By reinvesting a significant share of the revenues from renewable energy leases in important conservation programs, the bill helps strike a balance between commercial development and wildlife conservation.

“We greatly appreciate Senator Reid’s continued leadership and commitment to developing renewable energy, and we look forward to working with Senator Reid to further strengthen the safeguards for wildlife as the bill moves through the Senate.”

Learn more responsible renewable energy development.

Read about Senator Reid's proposal. 

Contact(s):

Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.  With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come.  For more information, visit www.defenders.org.