American Bird Conservancy

American Bird Conservancy Plans to Sue Interior over 30-Year Eagle Kill Rule

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here.

An excerpt:

A leading bird conservation organization—American Bird Conservancy (ABC)—has announced its intention to sue the Department of the Interior (DOI), charging DOI with multiple violations of federal law in connection with its December 9, 2013, final regulation that allows wind energy companies and others to obtain 30-year permits to kill eagles without prosecution by the federal government. The previous rule provided for a maximum duration of five years for each permit.

Notice of Intent to Sue (PDF)

News Profile of USFWS Decisionmaking Process in Question of Bald Eagles and Wind Turbines

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here.

An excerpt:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is considering eliminating most public oversight of wind turbine impacts on protected bald and golden eagles by offering developers 30-year permits to kill eagles by accident, as opposed to the current 5-year permits. What’s more, they’re shaping the implementation of that proposed policy change in a series of private “stakeholders'” meetings to which the public is not invited.

American Bird Conservancy letter here.