Nature Conservancy; August 7, 2007

www.nature.org

On Aug. 7, 2007, Carter Smith requested that the PUC conduct a thorough environmental impact study of the 345-Kv transmission line in Kenedy County and a study of the secondary impacts of the wind sites before construction is approved.

Mr. Smith noted that the proposed project would lie in the Laguna Madre region of the coast.

1. Extraordinary ecological richness for various terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
   
   
2. Provides habitat for the array of plant and animal species.
   
   
3. Is home to several endangered or threatened species, including aplomado and peregrine falcons, reddish egrets, ferruinous pygmy owls and ocelots.
   
   
4. Hundreds of thousands of migratory birds pass through the region.
   
   
5. Local economy is primarily around wildlife-oriented recreation. These habitats are essential to that industry.

Mr. Smith also noted that the Nature Conservancy supports renewable energy such as wind power as long is it minimizes ecological damage. Unfortunately there are no incentives for energy developers to minimize environmental harm.

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www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Russell Hooten of Texas Parks and Wildlife responded to PBS&J’s request for information regarding wildlife on the 243,000-acre tract of land in Kenedy Co. where the wind project is planned.

1. Mr. Hooten noted that federal and state-listed endangered species could be affected by the project. Several of these endangered species dwell within 1.5 miles of the project site.
   
   
2. TPWD recommends that measures be taken to avoid the harm of rare species and natural plant communities during construction.
   
3. Mr. Hooten also remarked that the region’s vegetation is essential to a diversity of habitats. TPWD recommends clearing vegetation outside of the Apr. 1-Jul. 15 periods when birds nest in that vegetation.
   
   
4. A high number of bird species fly through the area during migratory seasons, so TPWD recommends placing bird flight diverters on the transmission lines.

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www.environmentaldefense.org

Environmental Defense requests that the PUC perform a thorough environmental impact statement for the Kenedy County AEP transmission line that would include secondary impacts and be subject to public input.

Environmental Defense has worked with other parties in preserving the ecological health of the Laguna Madre region due to its importance for migratory birds and bat species. The group supports renewable energy, including wind power, if the projects are located to minimize environmental and ecological harm.

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www.tx.audubon.org

Andrew Kasner from Audubon Texas wrote a letter to PUC commissioners outlining his group’s concerns with the Kenedy Co. wind project.

1. Audubon Texas recognizes that renewable energy is important, but there must be a balance that takes into account effects on wildlife and the environment. Basic requirements are needed for wind and other projects.
   
   
2. Texas Gulf Coast is primary destination for spring migratory birds when arriving in North America. It’s the first opportunity for millions of birds to stop and rest. The Texas Gulf Coast and the Laguna Madre is considered one of the most important regions for migratory birds in the Western hemisphere.
   
   
3. There is currently not enough research on the effects wind projects will have on ecosystems and the environment in the Texas Gulf Coast. A comprehensive environmental study is needed.

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Rep. Charlie Geren has written PUC commissioners in support of granting intervener status to the Coastal Habitat Alliance. While Rep. Geren is not taking sides on the project, he believes the members of the CHA have a long history of protecting coastal ecology and deserve a voice in the hearings.

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Rep. Juan Escobar has written a letter to the PUC in support of the Coastal Habitat Alliance. Rep. Escobar wants the CHA members to have their voices heard in the hearings given their credibility as environmental stewards in the Laguna Madre region of the Gulf Coast.

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Rep. Joe Straus has followed in the foot steps of Rep. Robert Puente and sent a letter to the PUC in support of the Coastal Habitat Alliance. Rep. Straus argues that CHA membesr have a long history of protecting the Gulf Coast's ecology and deserve to be heard in the hearings.

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State Representative Robert R. Puente has written a letter to the PUC commissioners asking that the Coastal Habitat Alliance be granted intervener status. Rep. Puente has cited his concerns over coastal wildlife and ecological health in the region.

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