Protect Birds at Wind Farms

The petition is available online here.

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has petitioned the U.S. Department of the Interior to protect millions of birds from the negative impacts of wind energy by developing regulations that will safeguard wildlife and reward responsible wind energy development. The more than 100-page petition for rulemaking, prepared by ABC and the Washington, D.C.-based public interest law firm of Meyer Glitzenstein & Crystal, calls for establishing a mandatory permitting system for the operation of wind energy projects and mitigation of their impacts on migratory birds.

Now we are asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to open a public comment period and create rules to protect birds. Please send your comment!

Thus far, over sixty organizations have endorsed the petition. To add your organization to the list of endorsements, please contact sholmer@abcbirds.org.

View background information on the petition.

Snowy Owl and windmill by David A. Krauss

Please enter your information and send your comments. We have drafted a letter for you, but your additional thoughts will really make an impact.

Subject:

Your Letter:

Jerome Ford, Director 
Migratory Bird Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Washington, D.C. 20240

Dear Mr. Ford,

I support American Bird Conservancy’s petition to regulate the impacts of wind energy on migratory birds. I respectfully request that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service open a public comment period about the petition and initiate a rulemaking to regulate wind energy to conserve birds and their habitats.

Wind power is being developed across the United States, putting songbirds, hawks, eagles, owls, cranes, and more at risk from collisions with wind turbines and their associated structures, and loss of habitat. Many Americans are concerned about these impacts. Your agency has estimated that 440,000 birds are killed yearly by wind turbines, and this number will only increase over time unless strong measures are taken.

American Bird Conservancy has suggested a solution that will conserve birds, and help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service meet its obligations under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by creating clear and transparent rules for siting and operating wind energy facilities. The American public cares deeply about birds and deserves the opportunity to offer their insights into this important issue.

Thank you!

Jerome Ford

United States Fish and Wildlife Service