At Resource Media, we’ve always been particularly interested in “unlikely bedfellows.” We often find ourselves facilitating conversations with groups who have a hard time seeing their common values. Call it a feel-good win, but we love the moments where diverse stakeholders such as sportsmen, conservation groups, county commissioners and local communities find common ground. When everyone comes away with something, well, everybody wins.
That’s why we put together a mini report on the unlikely bedfellows coalescing around clean energy and conservation. More renewable energy has been permitted on public lands in the last five years than ever before. The companies behind these projects pay rental fees for their use of public lands, but the projects can diminish some of the lands’ other values, for outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, etc. That’s why local business leaders, state and local officials, hunters, anglers and conservation groups are all working together to balance renewable energy projects with conservation efforts by ensuring that those rental revenues are reinvested in public lands and the surrounding communities.
So perhaps it’s not surprising that proposals to create that balance and share revenues among these various stakeholders (like this year’s Public Lands and Renewable Energy Development Act) are getting broad, diverse support. Here’s an issue where there’s something for everyone. Conservation groups see financial support for wildlife, water and open spaces. Local governments see more money invested in their communities. Wind and solar companies see broader support for their projects. And America gets more clean, renewable energy – which is a win-win for us all.
Get the picture from our animated infographic, or take a look at the full report below.
Renewable Energy and Conservation: Protecting America’s Natural Heritage
Want to learn more? Check out the information offered National Wildlife Federation, Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development, Trout Unlimited and The Wilderness Society.
