Wildlife and Wind Power

Studies show that wind power has a minimal impact on most wildlife while providing affordable, American-made energy that supports both our economy and conservation values.

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Minimal Impact, Maximum Benefit

Wind energy stands as one of America’s most wildlife-friendly energy sources, providing affordable, domestically-produced power while supporting crucial conservation values. The evidence is clear: wind power delivers clean electricity with one of the lowest environmental footprints of any utility-scale generation method.

The Facts: Wind’s Limited Wildlife Impact

  • Wind energy accounts for less than 0.01% of human-caused bird fatalities – far below buildings, vehicles, and pesticides.
  • Eagle populations remain compatible with wind development – bald eagle populations have thrived while golden eagle numbers remain stable.
  • Wind turbines leave 98% of project land undisturbed – preserving valuable habitat for wildlife.
  • Each turbine offsets its carbon footprint within six months – then provides decades of emissions-free electricity.

Download this fact sheet to discover how the industry takes steps to minimize its impact on wildlife and foster American conservation values while providing clean, affordable American energy.

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(PDF download)