Fish and Wildlife Service to Grant 30-year Permits to Kill Protected Eagles

Michael McGrady      

Under a rule proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), renewable-energy companies will be able to obtain permits over the next 30 years authorizing protected eagles to be killed or captured.  The proposed rule is part of the Obama administration’s plan to expand wind and solar energy development.

The rule would provide to renewable-energy companies protection from criminal or civil prosecution or penalties for incidental deaths of protected bald and golden eagles that occur as a result of the normal operations of wind and solar farms. The proposed 30 years of protection from legal liability would greatly extend the five years of protection FWS currently grants to renewable-energy facilities.

“The proposed regulations address the duration of permits for incidental take of eagles, extending the maximum permit duration to 30 years, subject to a recurring five-year review process throughout the permit life,” an FWS press release stated.

 

The rule, if adopted, would also require companies to self-audit the capturing of eagles and report their findings to FWS every five years......To Read More....