Sound Science welcomes new Associate Lara Rozzell, who specializes in alternative energy and wind power.

Factors in siting an offshore wind facility near Rhode Island. Source: RIWINDS Phase I Siting Study, Final Report

Sound Science’s Approach to Alternative Energy Development

Life cycle assessments demonstrate significantly lower environmental impacts from wind power than from traditional sources of industrial electricity generation. Governments, utilities, and private landowners are moving to increase available wind power rapidly in response to growing concern over climate change. However, there are gaps in our knowledge of the effects of alternative energy developments on biodiversity and habitat. Rapid growth of the industry is outpacing the ability of scientists and regulators to create best practices in siting, monitoring, and adaptive management.

Sound Science is working to improve the science of wind power. We are particularly focusing on:

1) Creating valid, consistent, and widely applicable protocols for environmental assessment of wind energy facilities for both pre-siting studies and post construction evaluation

2) Creating or reviewing best management practices for construction, operation, environmental monitoring, mitigation, and decommissioning of wind energy facilities

3) Providing 3rd party unbiased review of wind proposals received by government entities or private landowners

Alternative energy projects need scientific advisory attention and adaptive management to ensure the lowest impacts possible. Environmental stakeholders, government agencies, and wind developers all benefit from clear and standardized biological evaluation, siting and operational practices that lower environmental impacts and increase public trust.

Contact Lara Rozzell for more information on Sound Science's wind program.