No energy source or human activity is completely free of environmental impacts (“Ruffled Feathers,” Editorial, May 26).
Wind energy will always be a vanishingly small factor in human-caused bird fatalities.
The Associated Press inflates the number of bird takes by wind turbines. A recent analysis by the American Wind Wildlife Institute, on behalf of the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative, analyzed over 100 post-construction studies at operating wind farms and concluded that, at current installed capacity, avian mortality is less than 200,000 per year.
There is widespread mischaracterization of the 30-year eagle “take” permit proposed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. It is not a wholesale license to kill eagles. Nor is it specifically designed for the wind industry but rather is available for all sources of eagle mortality. The permit provides companies some degree of legal and financial certainty, which is important for any business.
American wind power is a homegrown energy industry that’s good for our economy — 80,000 American jobs and $17.9 billion added — good for ratepayers and good for our air and water.
David Ward
Public Affairs American Wind Energy Association
Washington, DC