FWS Unveils New Vision for Wind-Energy Siting and Wildlife

Aimee
Delach, Defenders of Wildlife's wind
energy and wildlife expert and member of the advisory committee,
said:

"Wind energy is an important part of our clean energy future, but for
it to be truly successful, we need thoughtful long-term planning that
takes wildlife and habitat conservation into consideration. These draft
guidelines will go a long way toward ensuring that future wind energy
development is compatible with birds, bats and other wildlife.

"This two-year-long endeavor shows that when conservation groups,
industry and other stakeholders work together, we can reach a solution
that works for everyone, while still protecting our nation's wildlife
and natural treasures.

"Defenders of Wildlife urges Interior Secretary Salazar to adopt the
draft recommendations and to work to ensure that wind energy is done
right for wildlife."

Summary:

* The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made public
yesterday new draft wind-energy siting recommendations that aim to avoid
sensitive wildlife habitat and to decrease the chances of birds and bats
being killed
by wind turbines

* The draft guidelines would help wind-energy
developers and siting agencies find places for wind-energy development
with fewer wildlife and environmental conflicts

* The Wind Turbines Federal Advisory Committee, a
group representing conservation organizations, the wind-energy industry,
and federal and state agencies, and tribal representatives, worked
together to reach consensus on the recommendations

* Interior Secretary Ken Salazar will review the
recommendations before issuing official wind-energy siting guidelines

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Links:
Read
FWS' news release.

Learn
more about Defenders' work on renewable energy.