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."

Comments

Re:Something has to give, buddy

[Joce640k]

So why bother with the exemption. If the number is so few, what possible difference can the equally small fine really amount to.

Because killing eagles is illegal and there's thousands of the lawyers who'll just see "free money" and make people's lives miserable.

Re:Holy Biased Presentation Batman!

[Jerry Smith]

But were they Bald Eagles? Cuz let's be honest, no one gives a fuck about sea gulls.

In all fairness: most of the world doesn't give a fuck about bald eagles.