Generating energy has some form of impact on the environment. It is hard to convert 100s of MW of power from a source to electricity without some part of the environment being hurt. Windfarms kill bats and birds and probably have other effects. The killing of eagles has the current attention. Here is a WSJ article on the topic.
Wind Farms Gain Protections from Bird Kill Prosecutions
U.S. Sets 30-Year Permit for Accidental Eagle, Other Bird Deaths
The U.S. Interior Department on Friday issued a rule that highlights a tension lingering between two key goals of the environmental movement: developing renewable energy sources and protecting wildlife.
The newly finalized rule would grant 30-year permits allowing wind farms and other projects to accidentally kill federally protected eagles, provided they meet certain criteria.
The new rule, which extends an existing five-year window, comes at the same time the government is stepping up its oversight of illegal bird deaths on wind farms.
Here is the press release from the Dept of Interior.
Interior Department Releases Revised Rule to Ensure Long-term Monitoring and Protection of Eagles While Facilitating Renewable Energy Development
Additional Changes to 2009 Eagle Permitting Rule to be Explored through Public Process
12/06/2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of the Interior today announced changes to regulations enabling the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to better monitor and address the long-term impacts of renewable energy projects and other activities on federally-protected eagles. In addition to these immediate changes, the Service will continue its comprehensive review of all eagle permitting regulations to determine if other modifications are necessary to increase their efficiency and effectiveness.
“Renewable energy development is vitally important to our nation’s future, but it has to be done in the right way,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “The changes in this permitting program will help the renewable energy industry and others develop projects that can operate in the longer term, while ensuring bald and golden eagles continue to thrive for future generations.”
So if you fill out the right paperwork it is OK to have dead eagle as the base of the wind turbines.
I didn’t realize until now that the charter of the Department of Interior is to protect the outdoors and provide power for the nation.
Our Mission: Protecting America's Great Outdoors and Powering Our Future
The U.S. Department of the Interior protects America’s natural resources and heritage, honors our cultures and tribal communities, and supplies the energy to power our future.