Defend Animals From Wind Farm Dangers
5,328 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Wind farms are killing wildlife at an alarming rate. Your action today can save vulnerable species from extinction.
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.
- Brianne Hogan, BBC Future (2 March 2020), "How Do Wind Farms Affect Bats, Birds and Other Wildlife?"
- Katarina Zimmer, Canary Media (2 January 2024), "Wind Turbines Kill Too Many Birds and Bats. How Can We Make Them Safer?"
- Wageningen University, Phys.org (4 January 2023), "Studying the Impact of Wind Farms on Animal Species and the Ecology of the North Sea."
- Nick Taylor, MLive (14 August 2024), "Flushing Township Board to Consider Regulations for Wind Energy, Farm Animals."
- WINDExchange, "Wind Energy’s Potential Effects on Wildlife and the Environment."
The Petition:
To the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO),
We, the undersigned, urge the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) to intensify and expand efforts to assess and mitigate the environmental impacts of wind energy projects across the United States. While wind energy is a vital component of our nation’s transition to a sustainable and clean energy future, it is essential that this progress does not come at the expense of our wildlife, farm animals, and natural ecosystems.
The rapid expansion of wind farms, both onshore and offshore, has brought with it significant concerns about the adverse effects on birds, bats, marine life, and other animals. Without proper oversight and regulation, the unintended consequences of wind energy could undermine the very environmental goals it seeks to achieve.
Federal oversight is crucial in this matter to ensure that the development of wind energy projects adheres to rigorous environmental standards, protects vulnerable species, and promotes sustainable land and ocean use. WETO's leadership in developing and implementing best practices for wind energy siting, wildlife monitoring, and impact mitigation is essential to striking a balance between our clean energy goals and the preservation of our natural heritage.
We believe that with continued research, innovation, and collaboration, it is possible to harness the power of wind energy while minimizing harm to our environment. By supporting and enhancing WETO’s efforts, we can ensure that our pursuit of renewable energy sources contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future for all living beings.
Together, we can protect our planet and its inhabitants while advancing toward a clean energy future.
Sincerely,
