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US Issues 30-Year Eagle-Killing Permits To Wind Industry
Hugh Pickens DOT Com writes "Lindsay Abrams reports at Salon that the Obama administration is offering wind farms 30 years of leeway to kill and harm bald and golden eagles. The new regulations, which were requested by the wind industry, will provide companies that seek a permit with legal protection, preventing them from having to pay penalties for eagle deaths (PDF). An investigation by the Associated Press earlier this year documented the illegal killing of eagles around wind farms, the Obama administration's reluctance to prosecute such cases and its willingness to help keep the scope of the eagle deaths secret. President Obama has championed the pollution-free energy, nearly doubling America's wind power in his first term as a way to tackle global warming. Scientists say wind farms in 10 states have killed at least 85 eagles since 1997, with most deaths occurring between 2008 and 2012, as the industry was greatly expanding. Most deaths — 79 — were golden eagles that struck wind turbines. However the scientists said their figure is likely to be 'substantially' underestimated, since companies report eagle deaths voluntarily and only a fraction of those included in their total were discovered during searches for dead birds by wind-energy companies. The National Audubon Society said it would challenge the decision."
Because killing eagles is illegal ...
In fact, even doing things that adversely affect their health is ill eagle.
No left turn unstoned.
I'm not sure that would help eagles. I believe they rely on sight more than sound when finding and targeting small mammals as prey.
The most practical thing you can do to help birds is put a bell on your cat's collar.
I doubt that applies to large eagles. Though it might help them find the meal for today, in case you wanted to get rid of your cat anyways.
Assorted stuff I do sometimes: Lemuria.org
First off, it's my wife's cat.
Second, ... uh ... what size bell works the best?
If you think I voted for Trump because of this post, you're wrong. I voted for Dr. Jill Stein of the Green Party. Again.
Why a cowbell of course.