New rules on the nation’s wind energy companies concern those trying to protect the country’s bald and golden eagle populations. They contend it will mean wind farm operators will be able to kill or injure thousands of bald eagles a year without any penalty.
It’s the result of the new rules announced recently by the Obama administration in another move targeting the fossil fuel industry.
“There’s a lot of good news in here,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe in an interview with the Associated Press. He contends the rules will offer a path forward for maintaining eagle populations while spurring the development of wind energy.
Opponents and critics say it will also allow those wind companies to kill 4,200 bald eagles a year without fear of being punished by the federal government. That’s four times the current limit.
The 162-page rule was released and meant the start of a 60-day comment period. The final rule is to be announced sometime in the fall.
Under the proposed rule, companies could pay $36,000 for a long-term permit allowing them to kill or injure eagles. They would also have to commit to more measures if they kill or injure more eagles than estimated.