Google Map Assisting Wildlife And Renewable Energy

Google is teaming with the National Audubon Society and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to create a mapping tool. The mapping tool, which can be used by anyone, depicts the places that renewable power developers can and cannot build. The project is being called The Path To Green Energy.

The two groups and Google collaborated to include maps of endangered species habitats and protected lands including national parks, all included on one interactive map. Currently the map only covers 13 Western states, but hopes to add more states in the near future. The groups also plan on adding more species and including information such as areas with the most sunshine and strongest winds.

The groups are hoping that the elaborate mapping tool will reduce the number of renewable energy battles in the future. Wind and solar companies do not want to be slowed down by issues with their projects, such as building on endangered species’ habitat. Google, NRDC and the Audubon Society hope to reduce the number of issues with the easy to use tool. However, the groups do agree that it would be impossible to eliminate all battles.

The map is also expected to aid the government and electric companies in where to place new power lines, along with other various power issues.

Some are concerned that the tool could be seen as more of a hindrance than a help, but the groups insist this is not the case. The director of the Wyoming branch of the National Audubon Society, Brian Rutledge, stated: “The maps make it clear that there is plenty of room for green energy.”

The tool can be accessed via NRDC’s website, located here.