Let’s stop supporting the slaughter of wildlife with subsidies and mandates

A report out today estimated that more than 600,000 and as many as 900,000 bats were killed by wind turbines in the United States in 2012 alone.  It’s well known that wind farms slaughter birds, including rare and endangered ones, on a large scale.  But until this report came out, I had no idea bats were victims of their blades, especially not on such a massive scale.

This report comes hot on the heels of a report out last week that solar plants are killing birds in untold numbers.  Solar projects, particularly those located in California that are underneath the “Pacific Flyway” where birds migrate north and south, are burning birds wings, while other birds are mistaking them for pools of water and dying when they hit them.

Of course, coal plants, nuclear, natural gas, oil, hydro and others sources of energy all have their own sets of issues, environmental and otherwise.  However, wind and solar power are sold to voters as “clean” energy.  Moreover, renewable mandates in states are forcing energy companies and consumers to pay for these far more expensive sources of energy whether they want to or not, with the main justification being that they’re supposedly so great for the environment.  Solar and wind companies are also receiving cut rate government loans, land rights and other subsidies.  Remember Solyndra, anyone?

I’m not against wind or solar energy per se.  But they should stand on their own, just as all sources of energy should.  Let’s stop subsidizing and mandating the mass slaughter of our winged friends.