Wildlife

Healthy wildlife populations are a major part of the culture and economy of the West, and oil and natural gas employees take their responsibility to protect these populations seriously. Western Energy Alliance supports a regulatory framework that promotes species conservation and collaboration with stakeholders to sustain viable habitat. Companies ensure impacts to wildlife and habitat are avoided or minimized by reducing surface disturbance and employing advanced reclamation measures, surveys, best management practices (BMP), and monitoring programs.
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Our industry also takes seriously the obligation to conserve species protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and state wildlife laws. Development on public lands is conducted under rigorous restrictions for ESA-listed and at-risk species.

The oil and natural gas industry frequently takes the lead on voluntary conservation efforts to protect wildlife and habitats. Representatives of the industry work with partners from federal, state and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and other land users to protect at-risk species and ensure responsible energy development coexists with flourishing wildlife populations. Examples of these partnerships include the Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative, the Intermountain West Joint Venture, and the Sage Grouse Initiative.