We need your support on HR 2337

Dear Friends,

U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va recently filed legislation, which includes, among other things, establishing very specific standards for "siting, construction, monitoring, and adaptive management" of on- and offshore wind projects to "avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse impacts on migratory birds and bats." The Environmental Protection Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Academies' National Research Council are all on record saying there is a need for more site-specific information to properly assess impacts on wildlife. Industry-generated impact reports do not represent independent review.

We are asking you to join us in supporting H.R. 2337, specifically Title II, Subtitle D.

If one (or more) of your State representatives sits on the House Resources Committee it is vital to send a fax or email highlighting your support for this provision in the bill. Emails with the letter attached should have a subject line that reads, "Support for HR 2337 Title II, Subtitle D". For a list of committee members, please click here.

A sample letter is provided below to assist in wording.

If no representatives from your State sit on the Committee, please consider faxing the letter directly to Congressman Rahall at 202-225-1931. Emails with the letter attached can be emailed to resources.committee@mail.house.gov with a copy to jeffrey.petrich@mail.house.gov.

Thank you for your support of this important legislation. We’ve all been waiting for leadership from Congress; this is a crucial first step. Subtitle D as written will make a difference!

Time is of the essence. Please fax or email your support TODAY. If we can assist in any way, please contact me at llinowes@windaction.org .

Thank you all for your tireless dedication.

Onward,

Lisa Linowes
Executive Director

Industrial Wind Action Group
www.windaction.org
603-838-6588



Sample Letter

May 26, 2007
Representative ____________________
House Committee on Natural Resources
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515


Re: H.R. 2337 – Title II, Subtitle D


Dear Mr. Representative _______________:

I am writing to express my support for HR 2337, and to urge you to preserve those parts of the bill that establish reasonable federal standards for the development of new energy resources. In particular, I ask that you support Title II, Subtitle D of the bill, that will establish standards for the development of wind energy while also providing protection for our wildlife resources.

Wind power may prove to be a piece of our energy puzzle, however, it should not be at the expense of wildlife and other natural resources. Heretofore, the federal government has played only a limited role in ensuring wind turbines are sited and constructed safely. Reasonable regulation is needed to ensure consistent and enforceable review both pre- and post- construction.

Please support Subtitle D as written and reject compromise wording that will weaken the effectiveness of the provisions.

Sincerely,