Activists target site in the Bay Area where blades have killed 22,000 birds
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Now, some environmental groups that routinely supported wind power as a clean, alternative source of electric power are opposing the renewal of permits for the wind farm until steps are taken to reduce the bird deaths.
"Renewing these permits without addressing the cumulative impacts of wind energy on migratory birds, especially raptor species, will give a black eye to wind power," said Michael Boyd, president of Californians for Renewable Energy, a Santa Cruz-based organization that generally supports alternative energy sources such as wind power. Joining in the effort is the Center for Biological Diversity, a national nonprofit group known for its litigious approach to wildlife protection.
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"The county did everyone a disservice by choosing to ignore the true impacts of these turbines, which are the equivalent of a terrestrial Exxon Valdez every year," said Jeff Miller, spokesman for the Center for Biological Diversity.
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Paul Kerlinger, a New Jersey avian biologist who works regularly as an industry consultant, contends that of all the main energy sources excluding solar power, wind is the least threatening to bird life.
"When you turn on your lights you kill something, no matter what the source of electricity," said Kerlinger.
Industry officials said they felt blindsided by the recent environmental opposition at Altamont.
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Yet another "alternative" energy source getting blasted.
These people need to realize the alternative to these windmills - either higher bills, no electricity(brown outs), or more poluting from other sources. Time for these environmentalist wackos to wake up and realize that there is no perfect energy source.
CkG
<snips>
Now, some environmental groups that routinely supported wind power as a clean, alternative source of electric power are opposing the renewal of permits for the wind farm until steps are taken to reduce the bird deaths.
"Renewing these permits without addressing the cumulative impacts of wind energy on migratory birds, especially raptor species, will give a black eye to wind power," said Michael Boyd, president of Californians for Renewable Energy, a Santa Cruz-based organization that generally supports alternative energy sources such as wind power. Joining in the effort is the Center for Biological Diversity, a national nonprofit group known for its litigious approach to wildlife protection.
...
"The county did everyone a disservice by choosing to ignore the true impacts of these turbines, which are the equivalent of a terrestrial Exxon Valdez every year," said Jeff Miller, spokesman for the Center for Biological Diversity.
...
Paul Kerlinger, a New Jersey avian biologist who works regularly as an industry consultant, contends that of all the main energy sources excluding solar power, wind is the least threatening to bird life.
"When you turn on your lights you kill something, no matter what the source of electricity," said Kerlinger.
Industry officials said they felt blindsided by the recent environmental opposition at Altamont.
</snips>
Yet another "alternative" energy source getting blasted.
CkG
and yes I am informed on this issue of bird kills. I read up on Cali's situation when some wacko group tried to stop the Iowa wind farms because of bird kill issues. From what I read, the problem wasn't as significant as they tried to portray it as. I have been a big advocate of the wind farm that is going to be built in NW Iowa. I just find it hilarious that the enviro-wackos always find something to bitch about - this being one of them. Yes there is a point where windmills become too old to maintain and repair for the amount of energy they produce but up until that point the energy is "free" after the initial payoff. 
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