“Blank Check” Rule Authorizes Incidental Take Permit Extensions From Five to 30 Years

Audubon North Carolina and the National Audubon Society are working today to rally citizens and conservationists against a ruling by the U.S. Department of the Interior, which will allow Bald and Golden Eagles to be killed by wind farm developments over the next 30 years.

This ruling, which would allow for incidental take permits for Bald and Golden Eagles at wind-power developments, will increase maximum permit terms from five to 30 years if passed. Heavily lobbied, the controversial issue has sparked outrage among conservation organizations.

“Instead of balancing the need for conservation and renewable energy, Interior wrote the wind industry a blank check,” said Audubon President and CEO David Yarnold (@david_yarnold). “It’s outrageous that the government is sanctioning the killing of America’s symbol, the Bald Eagle. Audubon will continue to look for reasonable, thoughtful partners to wean America off fossil fuels because that should be everyone’s highest priority. We have no choice but to challenge this decision, and all options are on the table.”

Working with conservation organizations and state partners, the National Audubon Society is asking supporters to speak out against the ruling before it is passed this month. Let Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell know how outraged and disappointed you are by sending an email to: feedback@ios.doi.gov.

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