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Wednesday, December 25, 2024

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Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of the federal death row; Mississippi group working in 71 counties to end homelessness in Mississippi; Farmers no longer feeling Farm Bill anguish, but relief might be fleeting; Addressing Montana's expanding 'news deserts.'

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President-elect Donald Trump considers reclaiming Panama Canal. Lawmakers are uncertain Trump's cabinet will help everyday Americans and, advocates feel Biden must reconsider clemency actions.

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Rural folks could soon be shut out of loans for natural disasters if Project 2025 has its way, Taos, New Mexico weighs options for its housing shortage, and the top states providing America's Christmas trees revealed.

Federal regulators urged to consider wildlife in MA transmission plans

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Monday, December 23, 2024   

Wildlife advocates want federal regulators to consider habitats and migratory routes, when planning new transmission infrastructure in Massachusetts and nationwide.

Transmission lines can act like highways - interfering with wildlife's ability to move, reproduce, or find seasonal homes.

Veronica Ung-Kono is a transmission specialist with the National Wildlife Federation. She said decisions about transmission placement should be data-driven.

"Proactively planning transmission development helps to strike a balance," said Ung-Kono, "that can help wildlife have their needs met, while also helping people have access to low cost and clean energy."

Ung-Kono said two new reports provide a summary of research regarding wildlife and the power grid both on and offshore, and where data gaps remain.

She said it's possible to meet our energy needs while making wildlife a priority.

Offshore wind energy is helping Massachusetts meet its clean energy and climate goals, but buried transmission cables can disrupt critical habitats on the seabed.

The National Wildlife Federation's Offshore Wind Senior Policy Specialist Shayna Steingard said sea scallops, blue crabs, and American lobster help sustain the rest of the ocean ecosystem - and need protection.

"Climate change presents an existential threat to all species, particularly ocean species," said Steingard. "The threats from offshore wind development pale in comparison to the threat from not addressing climate change. There is no climate solution without offshore wind."

Steingard said researchers have identified previously used regulatory mechanisms to protect ocean species and better inform regulator decision-making.

She said developers can be required to create anchoring plans for wind turbines and buffers to avoid sensitive habitats, while reducing impacts on wildlife from the electromagnetic fields.





Disclosure: National Wildlife Federation contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Endangered Species & Wildlife, Energy Policy, Water. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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