Source:
Associated PressLawmaker Backs of Rules for Wind EnergyBy H. JOSEF HEBERT, Associated Press Writer
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
(06-06) 15:50 PDT WASHINGTON, (AP) --
A House committee chairman from a coal-producing state backed away
Wednesday from requiring regulations for the wind energy industry to
protect birds and bats, rules the industry said would halt development
of wind farms as an alternative to coal.
Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., had put into
an energy bill a requirement that the Interior Department regulate the
siting and operation of energy wind turbines to ensure the safety of
wildlife.
His action unleashed intense lobbying by the wind industry and renewable
energy advocates, who argued that such restrictions would stop wind farm
development at a time when wind is viewed as the most viable renewable
alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear power for producing electricity.
As his committee began final crafting of the energy package Wednesday,
Rahall relented and agreed to support, instead, a less-sweeping measure
offered by Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass. It calls on the Interior Department
to develop "guidelines" for protection of wildlife from wind turbines, not
regulations.
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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/06/06/national/w152953D55.DTL