Bald eagles and golden eagles are federally protected. Individuals who kill these birds pay a $100,00 AND the person could face up to 10 years in jail. Now we’re told that our Federal Government has decided to allow wind energy companies (that own the wind farms that operate high-speed turbines that have slaughtered thousands of eagles) to kill or injure 4,200 bald eagles per year without penalty — which is four times the current limit. According to The Associated Press piece, “Golden eagles could only be killed if companies take steps to minimize the losses, for instance, by retrofitting power poles to reduce the risk of electrocution.” Moreover,”Under the new proposal, companies would pay a $36,000 fee for a long-term permit allowing them to kill or injure eagles.” Would the Obama Administration offer the same sort of deal to, say, an oil company?
What the story neglects to mention is that wind farms require backup from power sources that use coal, oil, and natural gas.