US Judge Stops Windmills from Killing Bald Eagles

Progressives have demonstrated over the years a willingness to protect wildlife irrespective of consequences to society or the economy.  In some cases they have used various wildlife protection laws including the 1940 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  Interpreting and enforcing regulations are left to various government agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  However, bureaucrats often politicize their interpretation by selective enforcement.

This week the Wall Street Journal published a story of selective enforcement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).  Obama appointed US District Judge Lucy H. Koh has slapped down the FWS for allowing the wind industry to legally kill Bald and Golden Eagles for up to 30 years.  The judge found that the agency violated the National Environmental Policy Act in 2013 by not doing the required environmental impact assessment and limiting permits to a maximum of five years.

It is common knowledge that wind generators kill birds.  A 2008 study estimated that one facility in northern California killed dozens of eagles and thousands of raptors and non-raptors annually.

It seems that to the Left, saving endangered species is important only if it does not interfere with their political agenda that includes promoting green energy.  This selective enforcement of regulatory edicts shows that crony capitalism is alive and well in the Obama administration.