Wind Industry Not Held Accountable For Bird Deaths

ABC provided lengthy interviews and significant data that was used for this Associated Press story, documenting how the wind industry is not being held accountable for bird deaths, especially eagles, at wind farms. The story confirms that the shocking number of eagle deaths at some California wind farms are also occurring with similar frequency at some modern wind farms in Wyoming. ABC has long advocated for strengthened federal government management of wind industry siting and operating practices. We hope this AP story ultimately leads to bird-smart wind power and fewer needless bird deaths at wind farms.

Obama administration allows wind farms to kill eagles, birds despite federal laws: http://wapo.st/YTdDnl

Photo: Golden Eagle by Martin Mecnarowski

(via: American Bird Conservancy)

bethyhealer:

In the US, virtually all genetically engineered Bt corn crops are treated with neonicotinoids. 

More and more scientists are pointing to neonicotinoids, as being the likely suspect in colony collapse. These insecticides are sprayed on seeds and are highly toxic to bees because they are systemic, water soluble, and pervasive. The pesticide is taken up through the plant’s vascular system, where it’s expressed in the pollen and nectar that the bees collect. It also gets into the soil and groundwater. Neonicotinoids have become the fastest growing insecticides in the world. The disappearance of bee colonies began accelerating in the US shortly after the EPA allowed these new insecticides on the makret in the mid-2000s. In the US, virtually all genetically engineered Bt corn crops are treated with neonicotinoids. 

Read more here from Dr. Joseph Mercola 

Great News for the Oceans!

The U.S. Senate voted yesterday afternoon FOR the National Endowment for the Oceans amendment with a bipartisan vote of 68-31.

Here are the key facts: http://ocean.ly/12Wxuxt

(via: Ocean Conservancy)

Manatees Are Dying Off, and Florida Is Determined to Speed it Up

Who hates manatees? Sea cows, mermaids, whatever you want to call them—these massive, slow, people-loving warm-water swimmers are naturally adorable and devoid of natural enemies. But hundreds have died already this year, and deregulating Florida lawmakers could doom the rest today…

(read more: Gawker)                                (photo: AP)

Scientists Say Historic Marine Mammal Protection Act Worked

by Megan Gannon

In the fall of 1972, then-President Richard Nixon signed the Marine Mammal Protection Act, providing sweeping protections for whales, dolphins, seals and other species swimming in U.S. waters whose populations had dwindled due to commercial fishing and accidental killing.

The law invigorated conservation efforts and prohibited hunting, killing, capturing and even harassing marine mammals (which we’re reminded of when beachgoers in Florida get caught riding manatees or sickly sperm whales.)

More than 40 years later, a new report shows that the law has been effective: It not only prevented extinctions that seemed imminent, but also helped some species bounce back in strong numbers, researchers say…

(read more: Live Science)       (photo: New England  Aquarium)

Bison in Danger in Montana

Any day now, Montana’s state legislature will vote on a series of extremist bills (read more) that could reverse decades of progress to restore America’s iconic bison.

Time is running out—urge Governor Bullock to stand up for Montana’s bison and veto these bills: http://bit.ly/XTjWkT

(Photo: Flickr / USFWS Mountain Prairie)

(via: National Wildlife Federation Action Fund)