What penalty is the University of Minnesota facing?

The University of Minnesota is facing a proposed penalty of $14,536 for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

How did the bald eagle die at the University of Minnesota?

A bald eagle was killed by a wind turbine at the University of Minnesota's Eolos Wind Energy Research Field Station, dismembering the bird.

What caused the incident involving the bald eagle?

The incident occurred at a wind turbine which is part of the university's green energy research initiative, funded by an Obama-era grant.

Home / Environment / Green Energy Project Kills National Treasure

Green Energy Project Kills National Treasure

6 Feb

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Summary

University faces $14,536 penalty for eagle death.
Wind turbine dismembered a bald eagle into three pieces.
Grant-funded green energy initiative linked to eagle's demise.

Green Energy Project Kills National Treasure

The University of Minnesota is subject to a proposed $14,536 penalty following the death of an American bald eagle at its wind energy research field station. The incident involved a turbine that dismembered the bird, a protected national symbol. This occurred at the Eolos Wind Energy Research Field Station in Dakota County, Minnesota.

The university violated the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act by not having an "incidental take permit." The eagle's remains were discovered in pieces, with its head and wings found over a month after the torso and tail. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service urged the university to reassess turbine dangers and seek a permit.

The turbine is part of the Eolos Wind Energy Research Consortium, funded by a $7.9 million grant from the Obama Department of Energy in 2010. This incident follows similar proposed penalties against renewable energy companies for eagle deaths caused by wind turbines in other states.