The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(we, Service), working with the Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory
Committee, developed the Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines
(Guidelines). These voluntary Guidelines provide a structured,
scientific process for addressing wildlife conservation concerns at
all stages of land-based wind energy development. They describe a
process for wind project developers to use to gather information to
identify sites with low risk to wildlife, and to assess, mitigate,
and monitor the potential adverse effects of wind energy projects
on wildlife and their habitats. They also promote effective
communication among wind energy developers and Federal, State, and
local conservation agencies and tribes. These Guidelines are
intended to: Promote compliance with relevant wildlife laws and
regulations; Encourage scientifically rigorous survey,
monitoring, assessment, and research designs proportionate to the
risk to species of concern; Produce potentially comparable data
across the Nation; Mitigate, including avoid, minimize, and
compensate for potential adverse effects on species of concern and
their habitats; and, Improve the ability to predict and resolve
effects locally, regionally, and nationally. Although the
Guidelines are voluntary, they are designed to minimize impacts to
wildlife, including species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act (16 U.S.C 703-712), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16
U.S.C. 668668d), and Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 15311544),
as well as species not afforded protection under these Acts, but
which are potentially significantly impacted by wind energy
development (e.g., sage grouse). The Guidelines are also consistent
with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661-667e)
and Executive Order 13186 Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to
Protect Migratory Birds (January 10, 2001). When used in concert
with appropriate regulatory tools, the Guidelines form the best
practical approach for conserving species of concern.
The development of
renewable energy is important for the future of the Nation and the
health of the environment. The Department of the Interior is
committed to facilitating the development of wind energy and other
renewable resources while protecting our Nations treasured
landscapes and wildlife. Advances in wind energy technologies and
increased interest in renewable energy sources have resulted in
rapid expansion of the wind energy industry in the United States.
If wind energy facilities are designed and constructed in the wrong
locations, they can have significant negative impacts to wildlife
and their habitats. The Guidelines describe a process for wind
project developers to use to gather information to identify sites
with low risk to wildlife, and to assess, mitigate, and monitor the
potential adverse effects of wind energy projects on wildlife and
their habitats. They have undergone significant public review and
comment. We believe it is important to make the final Guidelines
available immediately to avoid and minimize negative effects on
wildlife and their habitats.
US Code:
16
USC 668-668d Name of Law: Bald and Golden Eagle Protection
Act
US Code:
16 USC 1531-1544 Name of Law: Endangered Species Act
US Code: 16
USC 661-667e Name of Law: Fish and Wildlife CoordinationAct
US Code: 16
USC 703-712 Name of Law: Migratory Bird Treaty Act
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