Audubon president David Yarnold noted the following in regard to the new regulation:
“Our focus is squarely on the regulators–not on the wind companies or other conservation partners. Here are the key points:
- Audubon supports strong federal protection for the Bald Eagle, America’s national symbol, and the majestic Golden Eagle under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
- Audubon strongly supports properly sited wind power as a renewable energy source that helps reduce the threat posed to birds and people by climate change.
- Audubon took a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to reach an agreement with the wind industry that would have protected eagles and supported renewable energy deployment. We did the hard work of finding a real solution. But DOI issued a bad rule that won’t prevent the killing of eagles even while it creates potential roadblocks for renewables deployment. We don’t think that’s acceptable, and we’re putting all options on the table to oppose the rule.
- Now it is time to take action at the federal level. We are asking our members, supporters and advocates to send a message to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell online through Audubon’s Action Center or by mail to Secretary Sally Jewell, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington DC 20240.