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Obama-Era Solar Plant Burns Birds; No Fines Issued
11 May
Summary
- Regulators permit a solar plant that kills thousands of birds annually.
- The plant received significant taxpayer funding but uses outdated technology.
- Despite environmental concerns, no fines have been issued for wildlife deaths.
The Ivanpah Solar Power Plant, a large facility in the Mojave Desert, has been permitted to continue operating despite causing thousands of bird deaths annually. Initially supported by a $539 million grant and a $1.6 billion loan during an Obama-era renewable energy push, its technology has become outdated. The plant now utilizes natural gas for startup, contributing tens of thousands of metric tons of carbon dioxide each year.
Regulators were aware of the risks to wildlife, including birds being burned by concentrated solar beams or colliding with mirrors, before approving the project. However, the documented bird deaths at the site remain within the limits set by its environmental approvals. No fines or enforcement actions have been taken against the plant by relevant agencies since its opening.
Researchers have identified a phenomenon where birds are attracted to the plant's bright towers and subsequently injured or killed by solar flux. Despite these ongoing issues, the plant operates under a permitting system that emphasizes monitoring and mitigation rather than penalties. This approach allows for the documentation of harm without triggering enforcement, even though intentional killings of protected birds can carry significant fines.
