REWI is proud to share our 2021-2022 Progress Report.
Recognizing the rapid expansion of clean energy and the need to decarbonize the electric sector, in the last two years, REWI has undertaken its most significant organizational change since our founding in 2008.
We have expanded our focus to address solar energy and wildlife interactions, in addition to wind-wildlife interactions. This transition included a name change from the American Wind Wildlife Institute to the Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute, and an added commitment to address questions about the wildlife and natural resource issues associated with the rapid development of large-scale solar energy – predominantly photovoltaic solar facilities – in the United States.
This expansion would not have been possible without the support of our Partners and Friends, colleagues, advisors, and staff who built REWI’s successful wind-wildlife research program, which serves as a foundation and model for the new solar program.
This expansion also demonstrates the commitment of our supporters to build sustainable renewable energy and the importance of collaboration among industry, NGO, and state and federal government representatives to accelerate the responsible deployment of wind and solar energy to mitigate climate change and protect wildlife and ecosystems.
There is an urgency to our mission. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, renewable energy and clean technology have seen an influx of financial investment. Related policy initiatives by federal and state agencies are expanding.
As this landscape continues to evolve, REWI’s core commitments – evident in the stories shared in this Progress Report – remain the same:
- Scientific integrity
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Application of results
2021 and 2022 demonstrated the integral support of REWI’s Partners and Friends in helping the renewables-wildlife community achieve major milestones. As we look ahead, the immediacy of the climate crisis necessitates continued work toward bold goals, including building out REWI’s solar program, sustaining and evolving our wind program, and identifying ways to catalyze dialogue and progress on issues related to renewable energy, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Thank you to all who participate in this effort. If you are not yet a part of REWI, now is the time to join us.