Protecting & Restoring Habitats
Guided by our Biodiversity Management Policy, CenterPoint Energy engages in many activities that help protect biodiversity within our service territory.
Our facilities and construction activities are typically contained within narrow linear overhead power and gas pipeline corridors, minimizing the overall footprint. We maintain strong relationships with stakeholders impacted by our facilities, engaging the conservation community, as appropriate, in building and maintaining company facilities.
Our leadership is involved with a number of conservation organizations, contributing time and guidance to nonprofits and promoting environmental stewardship to local governments and the public. Our employees also serve on the boards for and volunteer with many other habitat conservation organizations.
Supporting the Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve
CenterPoint Energy Foundation contributed to restoring and enhancing an 898-acre conservation area of important coastal island habitats. Located on West Galveston Island near Houston, the Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve is owned and operated by Artist Boat, a nonprofit organization that promotes the awareness and preservation of coastal margins and the marine environment through the sciences and arts.
In 2022, CenterPoint Energy Foundation presented a $60,000 grant to Artist Boat to support:
- Removal of active invasive species, which are non-native or out-of-control plants that can diminish prairie grasses and native prairie plants
- Mowing the coastal prairie to allow prairie grasses to grow swiftly and unshaded by shrubs and other non-native grasses
- Creating a 70-tree oak mott to provide an important habitat for migratory birds
We also developed a technical advisory committee for the preserve and support a coastal care program in partnership with Galveston Independent School District. Our Environment Director serves as a member of the Artist Boat’s Board.
Nature Conservancy and The Arbor Day Foundation Grants Reinforce Our Net Zero Goal
In 2021, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation announced a $1 million contribution to two environmental organizations focused on land and water conservation, environmental education and tree plantings to help build sustainable futures for communities the company serves. The Nature Conservancy and The Arbor Day Foundation each received a $500,000 grant to support restoration of the Mississippi River and provide environmental education and tree plantings to elementary school students throughout the company’s service territory.