Department of Interior Favors Industry Over Wildlife in New Rule
The Department of Interior finalized a new rule extending permits for wind energy facilities to kill bald and golden eagles in a move that could encourage even more wind energy development in eagle habitat. Interior's issuance of the new rule caps a public review process that started last year , and extends eagle "take" permits -- permission to kill or harass protected bald and golden eagles -- from 5 years to 30 years. The rule provides the wind industry with assurances it needs to finance and build sprawling energy projects in areas where eagle mortality is more likely, even though efforts to offset eagle losses are still experimental or speculative. The American Bird Conservancy , Sierra Club , National Audubon Society , and others have expressed concern about Interior's decision. The final rule includes some concessions to conservation groups, such as requiring wind companies to report the mortality rates of eagles at new project sites, but wind faciliti