Scientific data important in planning developmentGov. Dave Freudenthal issued an executive order last year banning wind energy exploration and development in critical sage grouse habitat. While considered a “clean” source of energy, the fact that wind energy development could affect sage grouse habitat in Wyoming — where, according to the Associated Press, 50 percent of the West's prime grouse habitat lies — is a big negative.As could be expected, the governor's decision has had a polarizing effect. Clean power development companies have found themselves pitted against conservation groups and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — a somewhat surprising turn of events.The true impact of the governor's order is not clear — it depends on the source. The governor's office says only 14 percent of Wyoming's best wind resources are in core habitat areas. However, in a recent Associated Press article, wind industry officials peg the number at 28.5 percent. Another wind industry company says the directive would take 75 percent of Wyoming's potential wind energy development out of play. No matter the perspective, nobody maintains wind energy development will not affect grouse habitat. That being the case, it's a good thing the major players have been forced to consider ways to minimize impacts. In fact, wind developers and wildlife agencies in nine Western states recently formed a coalition to begin a $10-million research effort. Over the next five years, the group will gather scientific data aimed at understanding exactly how wind energy development may affect habitat.The order was a wise move on Gov. Freudenthal's part. The data will provide developers with helpful tools to minimize the impact of proposed wind farms. And identifying the ramifications of development on the front end surely is a better alternative than attempting to mitigate problems after the fact.

Scientific data important in planning development

Gov. Dave Freudenthal issued an executive order last year banning wind energy exploration and development in critical sage grouse habitat.

While considered a “clean” source of energy, the fact that wind energy development could affect sage grouse habitat in Wyoming — where, according to the Associated Press, 50 percent of the West's prime grouse habitat lies — is a big negative.

As could be expected, the governor's decision has had a polarizing effect. Clean power development companies have found themselves pitted against conservation groups and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — a somewhat surprising turn of events.

The true impact of the governor's order is not clear — it depends on the source. The governor's office says only 14 percent of Wyoming's best wind resources are in core habitat areas. However, in a recent Associated Press article, wind industry officials peg the number at 28.5 percent. Another wind industry company says the directive would take 75 percent of Wyoming's potential wind energy development out of play.

No matter the perspective, nobody maintains wind energy development will not affect grouse habitat. That being the case, it's a good thing the major players have been forced to consider ways to minimize impacts. In fact, wind developers and wildlife agencies in nine Western states recently formed a coalition to begin a $10-million research effort. Over the next five years, the group will gather scientific data aimed at understanding exactly how wind energy development may affect habitat.

The order was a wise move on Gov. Freudenthal's part. The data will provide developers with helpful tools to minimize the impact of proposed wind farms. And identifying the ramifications of development on the front end surely is a better alternative than attempting to mitigate problems after the fact.