Why a bird advocacy group opposes a wind farm in the Everglades Agricultural Area

Tags: wind power, alternative energy, Everglades, Audubon, birds

United States annual average wind power.

photo by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (http://www.nrel.gov/rredc/)

The Palm Beach County Commission recently approved the Sugarland Wind construction plan. But despite the benefits of a renewable energy project, it’s being opposed by some environmentalists. They say Florida doesn’t have enough wind and it’s in the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds. In a letter, the Clearwater Audubon Society says “Siting a wind farm in the [Everglades Agricultural Area] is flat out irresponsible.”

Joining us today to talk about this is Barbara Walker with the Clearwater Audubon Society and the West Pasco Audubon Society.

Here are USFWS draft guidelines for wind projects.

WPAS Resolution Regarding Wind Farming in Florida

WPAS Letter to Palm Beach Commission on FL wind farm

Rep. Hastings Letter to Wind Capital Group 3.27.12

CAS Resolution Regarding Wind Farming in Florida PDF

CAS Opposition Letter Sugarland Wind PDF

Here's a site called Wind Watch