Wind Energy Development A discussion of wind energy, environmental impacts associated with wind energy development, and mitigation measures to avoid or reduce wind energy development impacts.

Follow the links below to learn about wind energy and environmental impacts of wind energy development, including impacts from site evaluation, construction, operation, and decommissioning of wind energy facilities. You'll also find information about mitigation measures that can be used to reduce environmental impacts.

• Resources and Technology
  Wind energy resources, geographic distribution, development scales, and wind energy facilities
• Development Activities and Resource Requirements
  Components of wind energy developments that could result in environmental impacts
• Potential Impacts
  Issues of environmental concern for wind energy developments, including direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts.
• Laws and Regulations
  Federal legal requirements applicable to specific wind energy development activities
• Mitigation Measures
  Mitigation measures to reduce or avoid environmental impacts.
• Government Programs and Tribal Incentives
  Links to government programs and tribal incentives for wind energy development
• Environmental Reports and Case Studies
  Access to environmental reports and case studies related to wind energy development
• General Information
  Links to wind energy development Web sites

Wind Energy and Electric Transmission

Wind energy projects require electric transmission systems to transport the electricity they generate to consumers. Environmental impacts from construction and operation of electric transmission systems are discussed separately in the Energy Transmission section, and must be considered in addition to the impacts presented here.