WASHINGTON - Today, the Interior Department released a set of voluntary guidelines designed to help wind energy project developers avoid and minimize impacts of onshore wind projects on wildlife. The guidelines are largely based on recommendations from a Federal Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from states, tribes, environmental groups, and wind developers.
“These guidelines will provide wind developers with a clear roadmap to build projects that maximize megawatts while minimizing wildlife conflicts," said Rep. Markey (D-Mass), the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee. “The greatest threat facing wildlife is a climate that is changing faster than wildlife is able to adapt. So make no mistake, zero-carbon wind energy is one of wildlife’s greatest allies. The guidelines released today reaffirm the fact that properly-developed wind projects and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand."
A fact sheet is here.
The full guidelines are here.
