Lift the veil on wind power killing eagles

This article discusses the need for greater transparency regarding the number of eagles killed by wind power facilities in the U. S. It highlights the existing regulations that permit a certain number of eagle deaths and emphasizes the importance of limiting these fatalities to protect bird populations.

1. Permits for Eagle Deaths:

Every wind facility in America is allowed to kill a specific number of eagles each year under permits, but the exact totals of these allowed kills are not publicly disclosed.

2. Annual Bird Fatality Estimates:

Estimates indicate that wind farms kill approximately 150,000 birds a year in the U. S. , with eagles being particularly affected, especially in migratory areas like Wyoming.

3. Underreporting of Fatalities:

Wildlife biologists suggest that actual eagle fatalities may be significantly higher than reported due to scavengers removing carcasses before they can be counted.

4. Flawed Data in Regulations:

Current federal regulations permit eagle deaths through "incidental take permits," but many experts argue these limits are based on flawed data, which underreports mortality rates.

5. Impact on Eagle Populations:

Eagles have a low reproductive rate, meaning even a few fatalities can greatly impact their populations. Therefore, more rigorous measures are needed to prevent unnecessary deaths.

6. Need for Cumulative Limits:

The article advocates for implementing a cap on the number of eagles that can be killed across all wind projects, akin to hunting limits for large game.

7. Regulatory Changes Required:

Recent changes by the Biden Administration have made it easier for wind projects to obtain eagle killing permits without thorough applications, leading to less accountability and oversight.

8. Public Transparency on Eagle Kills:

There is a call for better reporting and public access to information regarding eagle fatalities caused by wind projects so that communities are informed and can engage in decision-making processes.

The article emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and regulation regarding eagle fatalities linked to wind power. By implementing strict limits and publicizing kill data, better decisions can be made to protect eagle populations while balancing renewable energy initiatives. 

https://www.cfact.org/2025/03/10/lift-the-veil-on-wind-power-killing-eagles/