Two new studies imply the Golden Eagle cannot survive more wind turbines
By
David Wojick
|
April 15th, 2025
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act specifically says that the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) cannot issue more “take” (that is kill) permits than the population can survive. Two new studies together imply that the golden eagle wind-kill taking is at that limit or beyond.
Clearly FWS must stop issuing new wind turbine take permits until it rigorously assesses this situation. No new wind turbines should be erected. Some presently in operation may have to shut down. Fortunately, new eagle kill permits are presently on hold under the President’s Executive Order, but we are also talking about the law.
The primary area of concern is the western range of the Golden Eagle. This runs from Montana, Idaho, and Washington down to the Mexico border. Note that the eagles often migrate north to spend the summer in Canada, so the more northern states see a lot more than their local winter populations.
However, the entire US population is only about 30,000 eagles, down from an estimated 80,000 in 1980, and they are found everywhere. Thus the entire country might be in need of care.
https://www.cfact.org/2025/04/15/two-new-studies-imply-the-golden-eagle-cannot-survive-more-wind-turbines/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=two-new-studies-imply-the-golden-eagle-cannot-survive-more-wind-turbines&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=two-new-studies-imply-the-golden-eagle-cannot-survive-more-wind-turbines
