Renewable EnergyThe Western United States are rapidly moving to a clean energy economy with a heightened focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy resources. In addition to vast increases in renewable energy generation projects, a significant transmission expansion will also be needed in the region to bring large-scale wind, solar, and geothermal projects to market. In Montana, the Governor's Office of Economic Development is promoting wind energy development in the eastern plains as well as the associated transmission lines that will deliver this energy to the Southwest.
The Craighead Institute is working to determine areas of highest potential for wind power development to minimize conflicts with marine birds in British Columbia. The Craighead Institute will analyze impacts of transmission routes in Montana and our research will specifically evaluate the impact of transmission routes on forest carnivore connectivity in the Madison Valley. |