Courtesy of Environmental News Network

Washington, D.C.—A special wind turbine advisory committee will study and advise the Secretary and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on ways to avoid or minimize the impact of wind turbines on wildlife and their habitats. The study only concerns land-based wind energy facilities.

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today named 22 individuals to serve on the panel. Members of the Committee named today represent the varied interests associated with wind energy development and wildlife management.

“By some estimates, wind power could provide clean and renewable electricity to meet up to 20 percent of the nation’s energy needs,” said Secretary Kempthorne. “This committee will help examine issues, such as site selection and turbine design, so we can develop wind resources while protecting wildlife.”

Members representing governmental agencies include Kathy Boydston from the Texas Parks and Wildlife; John Geesman from the California Energy Commission; Greg Hueckel from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; Jeri Lawrence from the Blackfeet Nation; Steve Lindenberg from the Department of Energy; James Russell Mason from the Nevada Department of Wildlife; Keith Sexson, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; Mark Sinclair, the Clean Energy States Alliance; and Dave Stout, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Stout will serve as the Committee’s designated federal officer.

Members representing wildlife conservation interests include Taber Allison from the Massachusetts Audubon Society; Clait Braun, Grouse, Inc.; Michael Daulton, National Audubon Society; Amy Delach, Defenders of Wildlife; Rob Manes, The Nature Conservancy; and Robert Robel from Kansas State University’s Division of Biology.

Representing wind energy development interests are Michael Azeka from AES Wind Generation; Andrew Linehan, PPM Energy; Winifred Perkins, Florida Power & Light Co. Steven Quarles, Crowell & Moring, LLP; Richard Rayhill, Ridgeline Energy; Patrick Traylor, Hogan & Hartson, LLP; and Troy Vickers, British Petroleum Alternative Energy.

In 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service developed the “Interim Voluntary Wind Turbine Guidelines” and advertised their availability for a two-year public comment period, which closed in July 2005, in the Federal Register. The guidelines were to assist the wind energy industry in avoiding or minimizing impacts to wildlife and their habitats when developing wind energy facilities.

After reviewing the comments received and evaluating advances in the science of wind turbine siting and design, the Department of the Interior determined that additional input would be valuable in developing a revised product, which will also be made available for public review and comment.

The Committee is expected to meet about four times per year. The Service will provide the necessary support services. All meetings will be open to the public, and a notice announcing each Committee meeting will be published in the Federal Register at least 15 days prior to it being held. The public will have an opportunity to comment and make suggestions during all meetings.