Wind energy is a critical tool in the fight against climate change, but it’s not without its challenges. As wind farms expand across our landscapes and oceans, wildlife is facing new and unprecedented threats. Birds, bats, marine life, and even farm animals are caught in the crossfire as we push for a cleaner, greener future. The time to act is now.

A Threat to Our Wildlife

Wind turbines, with their towering blades, are causing serious harm to birds and bats. Every year, hundreds of thousands of birds are killed by turbine collisions in North America alone¹. Raptors, like eagles and hawks, which are already facing declining populations, are particularly vulnerable². Bats, drawn inexplicably to these turbines, are also perishing in alarming numbers, with some species even at risk of extinction³.

The impact doesn’t stop there. Offshore wind farms, vital for expanding our renewable energy capacity, are disrupting marine life. The noise from construction and operation affects species like porpoises and seals, impairing their ability to hunt and communicate⁴. Even farm animals living near wind farms are affected, with concerns about habitat disruption and noise pollution⁵.

The Need for Federal Oversight

While wind energy is essential for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we cannot ignore the environmental costs. Federal oversight is crucial to ensure that wind energy development does not come at the expense of our wildlife and natural ecosystems. Without strict regulations and ongoing research, the unintended consequences could undermine the very goals we aim to achieve with clean energy⁶.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) plays a key role in balancing the need for renewable energy with the responsibility to protect our environment. WETO's efforts to assess and mitigate the impact of wind farms on wildlife and farm animals are vital. But they need our support to continue and expand these initiatives.

Innovative Solutions Are Within Reach

There are promising solutions on the horizon. Simple changes, like adjusting turbine operation times during peak wildlife activity, can significantly reduce fatalities among birds and bats⁷. Emerging technologies, such as ultrasonic deterrents and blade painting techniques, are showing potential in further minimizing harm⁸. However, widespread adoption of these measures requires coordinated effort and robust federal support.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The expansion of wind energy is necessary, but it must be done responsibly. We can’t afford to wait as more wildlife is put at risk. Your voice is needed to ensure that wind energy development protects the natural world we all cherish.

Sign our petition to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office. Urge them to intensify and expand their efforts to assess and mitigate the environmental impacts of wind farms. Together, we can advocate for a future where renewable energy and wildlife conservation go hand in hand.

More on this issue:

1. Brianne Hogan, BBC Future (2 March 2020), "How Do Wind Farms Affect Bats, Birds and Other Wildlife?"
2. Katarina Zimmer, Canary Media (2 January 2024), "Wind Turbines Kill Too Many Birds and Bats. How Can We Make Them Safer?"
3. Wageningen University, Phys.org (4 January 2023), "Studying the Impact of Wind Farms on Animal Species and the Ecology of the North Sea."
4. Nick Taylor, MLive (14 August 2024), "Flushing Township Board to Consider Regulations for Wind Energy, Farm Animals."
5. WINDExchange, "Wind Energy’s Potential Effects on Wildlife and the Environment."