By John Droz, Jr.A US federal agency, the Fish and Wildlife Service, is currently debating whether or not there will be national wildlife rules for industrial wind energy, and if yes, what they will be.
At stake is this: if they adopt strict mandatory rules, it could severely restrict wind energy in every state in the country.
For the first time, this agency is asking for public input.
Send your comments in a simple email to "windenergy@fws.gov". They will only be accepted until August 4, 2011.
If you want to wade through the technical details (not necessary) look at <<http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/>>.
The gist of the debate is that AWEA and the wind industry want loose, voluntary, guidelines. Citizens concerned about the environment are asking for tight, mandatory, rules.
We are also advocating that a wind developer make a substantial upfront payment ($5000± per turbine) for the state/federal government to hire independent experts to assess wildlife impacts. (Right now the developer hires his own experts, so you can guess what they conclude.)
Please submit something to the USF&W on this most important issue — and pass this request on to your email list contacts.
If we could get 1000+ people sending in sensible comments, that could have a powerful impact.
So this is something free, simple, and could be influential in your community. Please do it today!
regards,
john droz, jr.
physicist and environmental advocate
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