Dealing with environmental lawsuits and grassroots resistance is expensive. Industrial wind and solar developers have to hire lawyers, public relations specialists, and scientists willing to testify that this or that project poses only a modest threat to endangered birds and bats.

In this quote, Michael Shellenberger, an environmental policy expert and advocate, highlights the challenges faced by developers of industrial wind and solar energy projects. He points out that these developers often encounter environmental lawsuits and grassroots resistance from local communities or environmental groups. To mitigate opposition, developers must invest significant resources in hiring lawyers, public relations specialists, and scientists to defend their projects and downplay their potential environmental impacts, particularly on endangered species like birds and bats.

Shellenberger's statement draws attention to the costs associated with the growing push for renewable energy. While wind and solar energy are often seen as environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels, they are not without their own environmental concerns. The construction and operation of large-scale wind farms, for example, can pose risks to local wildlife, especially birds and bats, which may be killed by turbine blades. Despite this, Shellenberger notes that these developers must navigate both legal and public relations hurdles to gain approval and maintain their projects.

The origin of this quote lies in Shellenberger’s broader commentary on the tension between green energy development and environmental conservation. While he supports the transition to renewable energy, he often critiques the environmental movement for overlooking the unintended consequences that these technologies can have on wildlife and local ecosystems. His stance reflects a more nuanced understanding of environmentalism, where the need for sustainable development must be weighed against the potential harm caused by specific green technologies.

Ultimately, Shellenberger’s quote underscores the complex nature of environmental advocacy in the context of renewable energy. While wind and solar projects are seen as part of the solution to climate change, they also raise significant challenges in terms of conservation and biodiversity. His message calls for a more balanced and realistic approach to green energy development, where both the benefits and the potential environmental costs are fully considered.