NRDC: Clean Energy and Conservation: Mapping Tool to Identify Low-Impact Sites for Renewable Energy Development.

NRDC: Clean Energy and Conservation: ""


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Lovers of the American West will tell you that it's blessed -- and they're right. It's home to significant sources of renewable energy, such as solar, wind and geothermal power. The Western states, their residents and the nation will need these resources to repower America and meet the challenge of global warming.

But the West is also home to remarkable wildlands, diverse wildlife and irreplaceable cultural resources. That makes it vital to find the best sites for new clean energy projects and transmission lines, so that America can harness renewable power while doing the least damage to the Western environment.

Working with Google Earth, NRDC has developed this interactive resource to help environmentalists, renewable energy developers, utility companies and others meet these challenges.