Green Energy Company Faces Penalties After Bald Eagles Killed by Wind Turbines

Green Energy Company Faces Penalties After Bald Eagles Killed by Wind Turbines

FIRST ON FOX: The Department of the Interior is imposing a fine of over $30,000 on a green energy company following the deaths of two American bald eagles, as detailed in a violation notice reviewed by Fox News Digital.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a fine of $32,340 against Ørsted Onshore North America. This action comes after two bald eagles were found dead near wind turbines in Plum Creek, Nebraska, and Lincoln Land, Illinois. The notice indicates the company violated the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act by failing to secure an incidental take permit before killing the eagles.

Details of the Incident

The first bald eagle was found dead in March 2024 at Ørsted’s Plum Creek facility in Wayne County, Nebraska. A necropsy revealed that the eagle’s death resulted from a collision with a wind turbine.

Almost a year later, on April 18, another bald eagle was detected dead, just 200 yards from a turbine in Lincoln Land, Illinois. Similar necropsy findings indicated that this eagle also perished due to a wind turbine collision.

Penalties Proposed for Ørsted

Due to the absence of permits to kill the eagles, the Fish and Wildlife Service is suggesting civil penalties of $16,170 for each violation, which totals $32,340. Ørsted has 45 days to respond to the notice before the penalties become finalized.

A representative for the Plum Creek Wind and Lincoln Land Wind facilities informed Fox News Digital that Ørsted received the letter from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on October 29. The company indicated it will continue to cooperate with USFWS regarding this matter.

The Role of Ørsted in Clean Energy

Örsted Onshore is a subsidiary of Danish clean energy giant Ørsted A/S. The company operates 13 wind farms across America. According to its website, Ørsted A/S is a leader in global clean energy. It develops, constructs, and operates offshore and onshore wind farms, solar farms, as well as energy storage and bioenergy plants.

Challenges Facing Ørsted’s Project Goals

Ørsted’s initiatives include offshore wind farms, with ongoing projects in the United States. The company was seen as a pillar of the Biden administration’s clean energy goals. However, its controversial offshore projects in New Jersey, Ocean Wind 1 and Ocean Wind 2, faced headlines in 2023 when they were ultimately canceled due to economic concerns. This cancellation represented a setback for former President Joe Biden’s ambitions regarding green energy.

The company’s stated mission is to establish a world that operates entirely on green energy. The website emphasizes its commitment to building a clean energy industry in America. It prioritizes job creation and strives to boost local economies while also conserving nature.

Admission and Cooperation by Ørsted

The violation notice indicates that although Ørsted has no previous wildlife infractions, the company failed to obtain an eagle take permit even after recognizing the risks its turbines posed to flying wildlife following the initial eagle’s death in 2024. The notice also commends Ørsted for voluntarily reporting the eagle deaths and complying with directives to preserve the carcasses.

Seriousness of the Violations

Despite Ørsted’s cooperation, the notice emphasizes the severity of the violations. It notes that while bald eagle populations have risen significantly since they were listed as endangered, the species still confronts numerous threats from human activities.

Bald eagles and golden eagles are considered trust species by the United States and hold cultural significance for many Native American communities. The government remains vigilant in its responsibility to protect these iconic birds.

Reactions from Leadership

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has openly criticized wind and solar initiatives. He expressed concerns that these projects could destabilize the power grid and escalate energy costs. Burgum has labeled the push for renewable energy as a troubling trend, claiming it is detrimental to American interests.

As the discussion around green energy continues to evolve, this incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between renewable energy development and wildlife conservation. Balancing energy needs with the protection of important species requires ongoing dialogue among stakeholders, including government, industry, and environmental advocates.

The Path Forward

Moving forward, Ørsted and similar companies must reconsider their approach to wildlife protection in light of emerging regulatory challenges. The fines and regulations surrounding wildlife protection are becoming increasingly stringent. Engagement with environmental stakeholders will be essential to navigate these complexities and to ensure the responsible growth of renewable energy initiatives.