FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2024

Contact:
Cara Gustafson
[email protected]

AUSTIN, TX – Each fall, as millions of birds embark on their long journey south, Texas’ Gulf Coast has long served as a vital sanctuary. However, over time, this sanctuary has been steadily eroded by human activities. Now, with the rapid expansion of wind energy projects, the situation has reached a critical inflection point, threatening to disrupt key migratory habitats and leaving bird populations more vulnerable than ever.

With 1 in 4 migratory birds in the United States passing through Texas during fall migration, and 98.5% of North American migratory bird species recorded here, our state is a crucial lifeline for these species. However, wind energy projects could devastate bird habitats, undermining both conservation efforts and the $1.8 billion in annual economic impact generated by Texas’ booming nature-based tourism.

“The rapid expansion of large-scale wind energy projects along the Gulf Coast is putting our migratory bird populations in grave danger,” said Stewards of Texas spokesperson Cara Gustafson. “These projects, if left unchecked, can destroy vital habitats and create obstacles that many birds simply cannot avoid. It’s not just an environmental issue—it’s a threat to Texas’ unique wildlife and economy.”

The federal government, through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), is leasing hundreds of square miles of Gulf waters outside of Texas ports for wind energy development. While California’s coastal ecosystems receive significant protections, the Texas Gulf Coast lacks comparable oversight. With federal attention focused elsewhere, the Texas Legislature must step up to protect the state’s unique ecosystems and migratory bird pathways. Texas deserves the same level of care and protection as other coastal states.

“Because of Texas’ unique location and role in supporting migratory birds, we must have accurate data on how wind projects impact the birds that use these flyways each year.” Gustafson continued. “To date, all of the studies we are aware of support our concerns that these wind projects significantly impact the migratory birds flying directly over the Gulf of Mexico before resting in Texas.”

Stewards of Texas, in collaboration with conservationists, is working to find common-sense solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of wind energy projects. These include preventing wind turbine placement near migratory stopover sites and establishing buffer zones around sensitive habitats and migratory paths. At the very least, the Legislature should provide guidance for the placement and operation of wind turbine developments along the lower Texas coast, where significant ecological risks exist.

Join Us in This Effort
We urge all Texans to come together in protecting our state’s natural legacy. Whether you’re a landowner, conservationist, or birdwatcher, your voice matters in the fight to preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the migratory paths that span the Texas Gulf Coast. Based on the conversations we’ve been having with bird experts, conservationists, energy policy experts, and rural families, we plan to unveil thoughtful proposals ahead of the upcoming legislative session—proposals that Texans can rally behind to protect our land, our wildlife, and our communities

For more information, visit our website (stewardsoftexas.org) or contact Cara Gustafson at the information above.