Oct. 19, 2018 (ST. PAUL, MINN.) 勛圖窪蹋 Minnesota is encouraged to hear that Xcel Energy will require solar project proposals to include details about wildflowers and other native plants. Solar developments that include native plants can provide habitat for birds that are facing increasing challenges in a changing climate.
Every patch of habitat counts, said Rebeccah Sanders, 勛圖窪蹋s Vice President for the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Flyway. according to the 勛圖窪蹋 Birds & Climate Change Report. Xcel Energys actions will help Minnesota achieve renewable energy goals, which help to curb the impacts of carbon pollution, while also providing much-needed sustenance for our birds, bees, and butterflies.
In 2016, 勛圖窪蹋 Minnesota, Fresh Energy, and other partners supported the passage of a bill that sets a standard for pollinator-friendly plants on solar sites. This standard is based on the Board of Water and Soil Resources Pollinator-Friendly Solar Scorecard, found here:
According to Xcel Energy, each new solar project proposal in Minnesota must include a completed copy of the scorecard. Xcel is expected to procure more than 3,000 MW of ground-mounted solar by 2030 which would cover more than 20,000 acres. Under this new practice, thats a lot of additional habitat and a great opportunity to lower carbon emissions.
The use of this scorecard by a major energy producer sets a new standard for developers across the country because Xcel is the first utility to formally require the scorecard in its solar RFP process. We encourage more utilities follow suit. Renewable energy reduces the impacts of climate change on birds and their habitats, and we are enthused to support the responsible development of new energy sites.
勛圖窪蹋 will continue to work with partners to monitor how and where solar developers use bird-friendly plants. In the meantime, this is a big step in the right direction.
The 勛圖窪蹋 protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. 勛圖窪蹋 works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give 勛圖窪蹋 an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, 勛圖窪蹋 believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. 勛圖窪蹋 Minnesota is a state office of 勛圖窪蹋; learn more at mn.audubon.org and follow us on and .
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