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. We operate in a service territory with a rich diversity of habitats that support an abundance of wildlife, including 300 species of birds.
Guided by our internal Biodiversity Management Policy, CenterPoint Energy engages in many activities that are designed to help protect biodiversity within our service territory. We strive to:
- Assess proposed locations for electric transmission facilities and pipeline routes and identify sensitive areas, including protected species and habitats;
- Avoid environmentally or culturally sensitive areas when practical and when alternative locations or routes are feasible;
- Reduce project footprints and adverse ecological impacts to facilities;
- Mitigate adverse impacts through restoration and careful vegetation management of electric and pipeline rights-of-way, avoiding active bird nests during the breeding season;
- Monitor and work collaboratively with regulatory agencies in the management of affected listed species and ecosystems; and
- Engage with federal and state regulatory agencies and nonprofit conservation groups to support biodiversity conservation efforts beyond our operational footprint.
Construction routing for new natural gas or electric transmission lines is planned to avoid or minimize the disturbance of environmentally sensitive areas. We focus on recycling and conservation during the planning and design phase of a project in an effort to limit long-term environment impact.
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, we may 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.

Avian Protection Program and Training
CenterPoint Energy’s Environmental department maintains a robust avian protection program, taking great care to avoid harm to birds. We develop and implement avian protection management guidelines, such as conducting avian risk assessments that include mitigation measures, employing avian-friendly infrastructure design and upgrades, and providing alternate nesting structures.
Our interdepartmental avian protection team, comprised of managers and professionals representing businesses and functions across the company, works to identify and address avian concerns in a comprehensive, coordinated and effective manner.
Avian training is delivered regularly to management and staff of relevant departments, including Operations and Vegetation Management personnel and contractors. In 2023, the Houston Environmental team delivered in-person training to key Indiana line construction and vegetation employees and contractors.
Supporting Associations that Help Avian Habitats
Support may include grants from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation, board service by company leaders, employee volunteerism, support for education and outreach, and collaboration on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Organizations supported include:
- Artist Boat
- Ducks Unlimited
- Galveston Bay Estuary Program
- Galveston Bay Foundation
- Gulf Coast Bird Observatory
- Houston Audubon
- The Nature Conservancy of Texas
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation
- Wildlife Center of Texas
The Great Texas Birding Classic Hosted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Each year, CenterPoint Energy sponsors the Great Texas Birding Classic and employee teams participate in the event. Leadership from Scenic Galveston, a local coastal conservation organization, and other agencies serve on CenterPoint Energy’s team. Winning teams help direct conservation funds raised through the event.
Operational Sites Owned, Managed in, or Adjacent to Protected Areas or Areas of High Biodiversity Value Outside Protected Areas
CenterPoint Energy operates approximately 40,000 miles of overhead electric distribution and transmission lines in Texas and Indiana.
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric Service Territory
- Armand Bayou Nature Center
- Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge
- Brazos Bend State Park
- Coastal Heritage Preserve
- Galveston Island State Park
- Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area
- Katie Prairie Preserve
- San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge
- San Jacinto State Park
- Sheldon Lake State Park
- Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge
- Virginia Point Preserve
Indiana Electric Distribution and Transmission Delivery Service Territory
- Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife Area
- Harmonie State Park
- Hovie Lake Fish and Wildlife Area
- Twin Swamps Nature Preserve
- Wabash Lowlands Wetland Conservation Area