What Do We Mean by Clean Energy, Transmission, and Siting?

Clean energy refers to energy sources like solar and wind that produce little to no pollution and help reduce our impact on the environment. Transmission means moving that energy from where it is produced to homes, businesses, and communities through power lines and other infrastructure. Siting is the process of choosing locations for clean energy projects and transmission lines, ideally ensuring they are placed responsibly to avoid harming wildlife, important habitats, and not taking away from our recreational opportunities.

The Arizona Wildlife Federation supports responsible clean energy solutions that balance progress with the protection of Arizona's diverse ecosystems. Development projects like wind and solar, while essential for a sustainable future, can impact wildlife and habitats if not carefully planned and sited.

AWF urges renewable energy developers to implement strong mitigation measures to reduce impacts on wildlife and their habitats, with particular focus on preserving migration corridors already disrupted by roads and urban development. Protecting these pathways is crucial for maintaining healthy wildlife populations, especially for larger game species like elk and deer.