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Statement from TNC in Texas on the Proposed Blue Hills Development

The turquoise waters of a river lined with dense brush ripple and flow.
Val Verde County The basins of both the Pecos and Devils River are home to a number of rare and endangered species. © Jacqueline Ferrato

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The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has a long history of protecting land and water in and around Val Verde County. We own and manage more than 25,000 acres of nature preserves on both the Pecos and Devils Rivers and have partnered with numerous area landowners on conservation easements, which cover more than 150,000 acres of Val Verde County. The basins in this geography are home to several animals and plants listed under the Endangered Species Act, including the Devils River minnow, Texas hornshell, Tobusch fishhook cactus and Texas snowbells. A variety of species threatened in Texas, like the Proserpine shiner and Rio Grande darter, are also found here. Additionally, the Devils and Pecos watersheds sit in the pathways of various migratory bird and butterfly species.

TNC is committed to accelerating the transition to low-impact renewable energy sources. We’ve created Site Renewables Right (SRR), a tool that helps inform developers about where they should consider siting solar and wind projects to avoid environmental impacts. SRR can assist companies and communities in avoiding impacts to wildlife and natural areas that we are trying to protect. Unfortunately, the proposed location for Greenalia's Blue Hills Wind Farm Development is situated in an ecologically sensitive—and immensely valuable—place. Constructing more than 40 wind turbines here could cause negative impacts on pristine lands and waters that TNC, partner organizations and landowners have worked for many years to conserve. TNC opposes this proposed development and urges Greenalia to reconsider its project.

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.