PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE • 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.