Congress Probes Bats & Wind Energy

The U.S. Congress aimed a spotlight on the growing problem of bat and bird fatalities at wind-energy plants with a May 1 hearing that brought testimony from top experts, including Bat Conservation International biologist Ed Arnett. He directs the BCI-led Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative, known as BWEC.

National Public Radio’s Living on Earth program noted that the House subcommittee hearing was titled: “Gone with the Wind.” NPR reporter Jeff Young suggested that “the title alone hinted at growing skepticism in Congress” with voluntary industry efforts to deal with the problem.

BCI, working with BWEC – an alliance of industry, government agencies, universities and conservation groups that was formed in 2004 – has clearly documented that many thousands of bats are being killed at wind-energy farms around the country. Collaborating scientists are working to find ways prevent those deaths.

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