May 2, 2007
U.S.

Bird protection sought as part of new tax credits for wind energy

An environmental group wants Congress to protect birds as part of new tax credits for wind energy currently under consideration.

The tax-writing committees on both sides of the hill are working on legislation to extend production tax credits for wind power and other renewable energy. Wind power advocates are pressing for the extension of the 1.9-cents-per-kilowatt-hour credit, which they say is crucial for projects to attract funding.

Michael Fry of the American Bird Conservancy will ask Congress today to be sure to link any federal tax credit or subsidy to a requirement that companies mitigate harm to federally protected migratory birds.

Fry is one of several bird advocates testifying before the House Natural Resources Committee today on wind power’s effects on birds and bats. “˜Any renewal of the production tax credit for wind energy should include provisions that require developers follow best management practices in avoiding and minimizing bird and wildlife impacts, Fry said in a statement released yesterday.

By Allison Winter
Environment and Energy Daily

climatecrisiscoalition.org

1 May 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/05/02/bird-protection-sought-as-part-of-new-tax-credits-for-wind-energy/