Creating energy from wind turbines is among the more promising alternative energy sources that will likely be a part of any long-term energy plan put forward by Congress in the coming months. The technology is viewed by many as cost-efficient, clean, and capable of creating “green collar” jobs. Some expect wind turbines to account for 20% of the United States’ energy by 2030.While this makes many environmentalists happy, there are some that are quite concerned over the impact this technology has on wildlife habitat and migratory birds and bats. According to a story by Christina Gillham published on Newsweek’s website, some environmentalists feel the cost of the energy, in terms of wildlife destruction, must be taken into account as the technology continues to be developed and implemented.
The turbine industry has seen growth in recent years because of the technology’s promise and the help of government subsidies. At the same time, a 2007 National Academy of Sciences study found that the number of birds killed each year is somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000. Michael Fry of the American Bird Conservacy thinks this is a low estimate. As Gillham reports:
"According to [Fry’s] group, turbines kill three to 11 birds per megawatt of wind energy they produce. Right now, there are about 20,000 megawatts produced in the United States, which can mean—at worst—up to 220,000 bird fatalities a year."
Whatever the actual number may be, it is likely that more turbines on the landscape will lead to more destruction unless changes are made. Gillham reports that the industry receives little advice, in terms of regulatory guidance, to help the technology improve without increasing habitat destruction. To that end:
The Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee, established in 2007 under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is proposing federal recommendations to reduce wind development's effect on wildlife. Composed of wind-industry members, wildlife officials, and federal authorities, the committee will present the recommendations to the secretary of the interior for review in October. The recommendations are voluntary, but according to David Stout of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the guidelines will be "unprecedented in terms of companies agreeing to hold themselves to a higher standard."Fry, however, remains doubtful that the voluntary guidelines will work. Industry leaders maintain that they share the concerns of many environmentalists. To mitigate turbine impact on wildlife the industry formed the American Wind and Wildlife Institute. The main focus of the institute at this point is conducting research to determine the best locations for turbines as well as the least destructive technology.
When Congress convenes to discuss alternative energy sources and future legislation one can be sure that advocates from both sides of the issue will express their thoughts and concerns.
To read the Gillham article click here.
Posted: 08/17/09
