Atlantic Wind & Wildlife

Abstract

Offshore wind is a resource with tremendous potential to power our nation’s energy demand while significantly reducing our country’s carbon emissions. However, wind energy can pose a threat to local habitats. This study conducts a two-fold analysis of both the United States’ current offshore wind energy permitting process and a GIS analysis of optimal wind farm sites in relation to sensitive habitats. On account of the highly migratory wildlife off the Atlantic coast, environmental assessments of wind energy areas should be completed for the entire Atlantic cost before issuing permits to wind developers. After conducting a comprehensive sensitive habitat analysis of the Atlantic coast, this study determines optimal wind farm locations that have the best wind resources while also having the least impact on wildlife.