Biodiversity
& Land Use

CenterPoint Energy’s biodiversity, land use, preservation and conservation initiatives include habitat restoration projects, endangered species conservation activities, and native wildlife rescue and release efforts.

CenterPoint Energy:

• Assesses proposed locations for electric transmission facilities and pipeline routes and identifies sensitive areas, including protected species and habitats,
• Avoids environmentally or culturally sensitive areas when practical and when alternative locations or routes are feasible,
• Minimizes project footprints and ecological impacts to facilities,
• Mitigates impacts through restoration and careful vegetation management of pipeline rights-of-way, avoiding active bird nests during the breeding season,
• Monitors and works collaboratively with regulatory agencies in the management of affected listed species and ecosystems, and
• Partners with federal and state regulatory agencies and nonprofit conservation groups to support biodiversity conservation efforts beyond our operational footprint.

Our Electric Operations’ facilities and construction activities typically consist of narrow linear power lines and substations, along with service centers with relatively small footprints.

Our Natural Gas Operations business reviews projects during the design phase using an Environmental Review Worksheet to assess potential impacts to air, water and land. Based on the review, it may be necessary to survey habitats for the presence or absence of species that are threatened, protected or endangered. In these cases, we coordinate with state and federal agencies prior to initiating construction.