Deparment of Interior Releases US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines

On March 23, 2012, the Department of Interior released the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines for wind energy projects and to guide state and federal regulators with respect to impacts on birds and wildlife from proposed wind projects.  The guidance replaces older, interim guidance published in 2003.  Wind developers and financing entities should understand the guidance and the relevant statutes and regulations at the state and federal level when evaluating wind project development or finance.