From the Arctic Ocean to the sagebrush landscapes of the American West, wildlife is on the front lines of the United States’ energy choices. Energy development is fragmenting habitat, disrupting migration routes, polluting air and water, and increasing the risk of chronic and catastrophic oil spills. The choices we make today will shape the natural environment for generations and determine whether wildlife can thrive alongside our energy future.
An “Energy Dominance” Agenda Threatens Wildlife and Ecosystems
The Trump administration has prioritized a policy of “energy dominance” from day one. This explicitly calls for increased production and use of fossil fuels while dismantling support for renewable energy and conservation efforts. Congress reinforced this approach through the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which halted renewable energy tax credits and required expanded oil and gas leasing both offshore and on public lands without meaningful oversight and public engagement. Together, these policies are driving a sweeping expansion of fossil fuel development across federal lands and waters. For wildlife, the consequences of these policies could be profound.
Plans to expand offshore oil and gas leasing threaten some of the most biologically rich waters of the U.S. Take the waters offshore of California for example. The administration has proposed opening these waters to new oil and gas leasing for the first time in more than four decades. These waters support migrating and resident whales, threatened sea otters, seabirds and vibrant fisheries and lie adjacent to some of the nation’s most treasured marine protected areas, including five national marine sanctuaries. A single oil spill could derail ongoing efforts to restore sea otter populations, impede whale migration and reproduction, and ultimately have long-lasting devasting ecological and economic consequences on fisheries, tourism and recreation.
On land, expanded oil and gas leasing across the West threatens greater sage-grouse, pronghorn and mule deer, among other iconic animals. Roads, drilling pads and pipelines fragment habitat and disrupt breeding grounds these species depend on for survival.
Fossil Fuel Dependence Is Costing Us
The push for expanded fossil fuel development also carries real costs for people and communities.
Burning fossil fuels — coal, oil and gas — releases carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The former is the primary driver of climate change. Climate change is leading us to experience more frequent and intense wildfires, floods and extreme heat across the U.S., threatening communities and costing billions of dollars each year. The nitrogen oxides released from burning fossil fuels cause acid rain, smog and lung damage.
The push for more fossil fuel expansion comes at a time when the U.S. is already producing record levels of oil and gas. Increased production alone, however, has not protected American consumers from rising electricity costs or oil price spikes. The simple fact is oil prices are set by the global market, and domestic production cannot shield the U.S. from geopolitical price shocks.
The only way to ensure energy security for the long term is to invest more heavily in clean energy at home. Renewable sources like wind and solar reduce exposure to global fuel price shocks while delivering cleaner air and a more livable climate for both people and wildlife.
A Clean and Wildlife Friendly Renewable Energy
It is hard to watch the news and hear the administration’s promises of “energy dominance” without asking: what is the reality behind the rhetoric? Americans do not have to choose between meeting our energy needs, fighting climate change and protecting wildlife. Defenders of Wildlife is actively researching and supporting efforts for a clean energy system that delivers reliable, affordable power while reducing climate pollution and avoiding harm to imperiled wildlife and their habitats.
As the nation transitions to clean energy, Defenders is working to ensure this is done in ways that protect wildlife and the habitats on which they depend. Renewable energy is essential for addressing climate change, but wind, solar and transmission projects must be carefully planned to avoid sensitive habitats and minimize impacts to birds, bats and other animals.
Looking Ahead
We all must limit damage from the administration’s push to expand fossil fuel development in sensitive places. This includes reaching out to our representatives and telling them to vote against more oil and gas development, remove regulatory roadblocks to wind and solar, and reinstall or unfreeze clean energy funding.
America’s energy choices will determine not only how we power our economy but also what kind of natural world we leave to future generations. With smart policies and careful planning, the transition to a modern, cleaner energy system can strengthen our economy, reduce pollution, and safeguard the wildlife and ecosystems that make this country extraordinary.
