November 17, 2011

Wind Energy, Wildlife, and Endangered Species

Co-sponsored by Patton Boggs LLP and The Environmental Law Institute

Wind power generates about two percent of U.S. electricity, and some energy analysts project it will take a much larger share of the U.S. electric market by 2020. Wind power uses little water and generates virtually no traditional pollution, but its adverse effects on birds and other wildlife have arisen as a major issue. These effects are affecting the timing, location, and economic feasibility of new wind power projects, as disputes arising under the Endangered Species Act and related wildlife and conservation statutes may slow or prevent new installations or, as the Beech Ridge case showed, result in operating restrictions on existing projects. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published several sets of guidelines this year in an effort to address these issues in an orderly way, but the guidelines have proved controversial both with industry and environmental groups. This seminar addressed those wildlife and related legal issues from several points of view, including developers, environmental groups, and the federal government.

Speakers:
Lawrence R. "Larry" Liebesman, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
Eric Drummond, Partner, Patton Boggs LLP
Eric Glitzenstein, Partner, Meyer Glitzenstein & Crystal
Rick Sayers, Chief, Division of Consultation, HCPs, Recovery, and State Grants, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
David J. van Hoogstraten, Director, Policy & Regulatory Affairs, BP Wind Energy, North America, Inc.

Materials:
Eric Drummond, powerpoint presentation
Eric Glitzenstein, powerpoint presentation
mp3 recording

Other related materials (free downloads from ELI) that may be of interest:
Siting Wind Facilities on State-Owned Lands and Waters
State Enabling Legislation for Commercial-Scale Wind Power Siting and the Local Government Role