OregonSmart Siting Collaboration

Oregon wind farmOregon Consensus was asked by a coalition of nonprofit organizations engaged in renewable energy issues (Defenders of Wildlife, Natural Resources Defense Council, Renewable Northwest, and Oregon Natural Desert Association) to help facilitate a collaborative effort around renewable energy facility siting. These groups recognize that there is the potential for expanding renewable energy in Oregon, but that without careful planning, large scale development of wind and solar energy can result in land use and wildlife conflicts. The conservation community, renewable energy industry, local stakeholders and other affected constituencies desire to overcome this challenge by working collaboratively to develop a framework for how Oregon can achieve its renewable energy goals responsibly for wildlife and local communities. The purpose of the collaborative effort will be to develop voluntary guidelines or other approaches to facilitate the siting and operation of solar and wind energy facilities in order to help avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts on wildlife, agriculture, and other resources that are highly valued in Oregon.