The Department of the Interior has finalized a new 30-year permit to allow wind farms and other projects—if they meet certain requirements—to accidentally kill federally protected eagles. The move "highlights a tension lingering between two key goals of the environmental movement: developing renewable energy sources and protecting wildlife," Alexandra Berzon writes for The Wall Street Journal.
The wind industry will benefit from the new ruling, especially because many felt that the current five-year permit caused uncertainty because companies wanted to launch large-scale project that could take up to 30 years. To receive the longer permit, companies will be required to show they are trying to preserve eagles, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service, Berzon writes. "This isn't a free pass," said Peter Kelley, vice president of public affairs for the American Wind Energy Association, a trade group. "To get a permit you have to persuade the government you're going to do an extensive regime or offset [bird harm] by preserving habitat."
In the past several years, large birds have died from the impact of spinning blades of wind turbines. Fish and Wildlife spokesman Chris Tollefson said, "I think from a legal standpoint it is much easier to make a case against a company if you have a permitting process that hasn't been followed."
Although renewable energy sources like hydroelectric dams, solar arrays and other projects sometimes damage plants and animals, many environmentalists say renewables are still less injurious than fossil fuels. Even so, not everyone is in favor of the change. "This is going to lead to more dead eagles—plain and simple," said Mike Daulton, vice president of government relations for the National Audubon Society.
Executives say the new permit should encourage many companies to apply for permits so they won't be prosecuted. A Duke Energy spokeswoman said of the new ruling, "This provides some certainty and clarification to the industry." (Read more)
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| Associated Press photo: A golden eagle avoids wind blades. |
In the past several years, large birds have died from the impact of spinning blades of wind turbines. Fish and Wildlife spokesman Chris Tollefson said, "I think from a legal standpoint it is much easier to make a case against a company if you have a permitting process that hasn't been followed."
Although renewable energy sources like hydroelectric dams, solar arrays and other projects sometimes damage plants and animals, many environmentalists say renewables are still less injurious than fossil fuels. Even so, not everyone is in favor of the change. "This is going to lead to more dead eagles—plain and simple," said Mike Daulton, vice president of government relations for the National Audubon Society.
Executives say the new permit should encourage many companies to apply for permits so they won't be prosecuted. A Duke Energy spokeswoman said of the new ruling, "This provides some certainty and clarification to the industry." (Read more)
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