Audubon New York Chooses 100% Wind Power

Encouraging properly sited wind farms for developments elsewhere, Audubon ensured that the source was properly sited with minimal impact to birds, and that it lived up to the standards set forth in Audubon New York's position on wind power. The purchase represents Audubon's commitment to ecosystem and wildlife protection through purchasing RECs that support existing wind projects, help provide finance streams for new projects and create a base for future clean energy production.

"Reliance on fossil fuels hurts birds, plain and simple," said David J. Miller, Audubon New York's Executive Director. "Pollution, destruction of habitat from mining, and potentially disastrous global climate change are all significant stresses on birds and other wildlife. Wind power, when sited properly after adequate study, is a better option."

This purchase will provide the equivalent environmental benefit of reducing carbon emissions by 91,900 pounds, 34 acres of trees storing carbon for one year, or taking 9 cars off the road annually.

"Modern wind projects undergo a significant amount of review and study for a variety of factors before construction begins," added Miller. "The wind farm developers at Ainsworth Wind Energy Center conducted extensive pre-development avian and environmental impact studies to minimize any potential bird and wildlife impacts. Furthermore, post-development studies found no bird mortality from collisions and no evidence of significant displacement of birds from the habitat on site."

"In our fight against climate change, Audubon New York supports the development of clean renewable energy sources that are ecologically responsible, cost-effective and clean," concluded Miller.