University of Minnesota Faces Fine After Bald Eagle Death
The University of Minnesota may face a fine exceeding $14,000 linked to a green energy initiative funded by a grant from the Obama administration, which has been tied to the unfortunate death of a bald eagle.
This incident took place at the Aeolus Wind Energy Research Field Station located in Dakota County, Minnesota.
Images acquired by Fox News Digital reveal the moment when one of the university’s wind turbines hit the eagle, resulting in its dismemberment, with its bloody remains found on the ground below.
A violation notice cites the university for breaching the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act by failing to secure an “incidental photography permit” before the eagle was killed.
Consequently, the proposed civil penalty stands at $14,536, branded as a violation by a representative from the Interior Department who referred to the eagle as a “national treasure.”
According to a notice from the Department of the Interior seen by Fox News Digital, the university acknowledged the risk of bird strikes and was testing collision detection sensors at the time of the event.
The eagle’s remains were found in pieces; initially, technicians discovered the lower torso and tail, while the head and wings were located more than a month later.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service subsequently reached out to the university, advising a reassessment of the turbine dangers to eagles and suggesting they apply for a long-term permit for incidental take of eagles.
However, the January violation notice doesn’t indicate that the university has secured such a permit since then.
The turbines belong to the university’s Eolus Wind Research Consortium, which represents a collaboration focused on wind energy research.
Construction funding for these turbines originated from a $7.9 million grant awarded by the Obama Department of Energy in 2010, as reported by the Minnesota Daily.
This incident isn’t isolated; in November, Fox News Digital highlighted that the Fish and Wildlife Service proposed hefty fines against Ørsted Onshore North America for the deaths of two bald eagles due to wind turbines in Nebraska and Illinois.
The Fish and Wildlife Service issued a notice in January confirming fines amounting to $32,340 for the two eagles killed by Ørsted turbines.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has criticized renewable energy projects, warning they could destabilize the power grid and raise costs.
“The Green New Deal is pro-China, anti-American, and unaffordable and unreliable,” Burgum remarked earlier in June.
DOI representative Matthew Middleton emphasized the commitment to enforce laws protecting these iconic birds, stating that they will hold industries responsible for actions endangering protected species.
“America’s bald eagles are a national treasure, not collateral damage in an expensive wind experiment,” Middleton noted, asserting that the administration will pursue energy policies that safeguard both eagles and the American economy while promoting affordability.
A spokesperson for the University of Minnesota confirmed receipt of the DOI’s notice and stated they are “currently reviewing it.” Ørsted has yet to respond to requests for comment.
