Offshore WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition 2018

e-Poster: A Stakeholder Working Group to Oversee Wildlife Research and Develop Conservation Guidance (Room Station 1)

16 Oct 18
12:35 PM - 12:45 PM

Tracks: Building Public, Stakeholder & Political Support, Posters

Speaker(s): Kathryn Williams, Program Director, Biodiversity Research Institute

New York State has formed a standing working group focused on the environmentally responsible development of offshore wind along the east coast of the United States. The Environmental Technical Working Group (E-TWG) includes representation from offshore wind developers, nongovernmental organizations, federal agencies, and state agencies from Massachusetts to Virginia. The group’s scope includes development of wildlife best management practices, identification of research needs, and facilitation of regional coordination. Specialist Committees with specific technical expertise are being formed to address issues that the E-TWG designates as priorities, and regular "State of the Science" workshops engage the broader stakeholder community. The inclusion of a wide range of stakeholders in this effort encourages the development of effective, economically viable approaches towards environmentally responsible development.