With all the concerns about conventional energy, wind and solar
energy are often seen as saints of the energy sector. Clean and
renewable, they too impact our environment. Many environmental
groups are now speaking out against green projects. Loss of
habitat is the largest threat to endangered and threatened
plants and animals, and the construction of wind and solar
stations are impacting many endangered species. These projects
reduce habitat size and create population sinks—zones which
attract animals and then leads to their death. For example,
birds see turbines as perching sites. The areas under turbines
are often grassy and attract prey. Under the Endangered Species
Act it is illegal to kill or take endangered species and
threatened wildlife. However these projects are granted “take”
permits, which make allowances for a certain number of deaths as
long as the project protects the species elsewhere. The Ivanpah
solar power project in the Mojave desert covers 3,400 acres of
prime real estate and the home of