Certain ecologically sensitive marine areas are not appropriate for energy development. In some of these places, energy development is prohibited or limited by law or policy, and in others it would be highly controversial. NRDC does not endorse locating energy facilities or transmission lines in such areas. Siting decisions must always be made extremely carefully, with impacts mitigated and operations conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
NRDC uses expertise in renewable energy, ocean policy, law and financing to help move offshore renewable energy forward sustainably. We ensure thorough environmental review of the potential impacts of offshore renewable energy projects on sensitive marine life, such as whales, migrating birds, fish and threatened or endangered species. We support careful planning, using the best available data and technology, to ensure the appropriate siting, construction and operation of offshore renewable energy.