The Obama administration on Friday extended the length of permits that allow wind farms and other operations to accidentally kill protected eagles to 30 years, drawing fire from wildlife conservationists.
The move to offer permits of up to three decades, from a previous maximum of five years, had been urged by the wind energy industry but was attacked by a leading wildlife group as a "stunningly bad move."
The Interior Department said the change in policy would help protect eagles, which can be killed when they collide with wind turbines and other structures, and allow the development of renewable energy and other projects designed to operate for decades.
"Renewable energy development is vitally important to our nation's future, but it has to be done in the right way," said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell.
Wildlife conservationists, however, disputed the claims that eagles would be protected by the permit extensions.
The change will provide legal protection for the likely lifespan of wind farms that obtain permits and undertake "advanced conservation practices" to avoid killing bald eagles, the bird depicted on the national seal of the United States, and gold eagles.
Companies must also commit to take additional measures if they exceed their permit limits or if new information suggests eagle populations are being affected.
The National Audobon Society, a bird-focused conservation group, said Interior's move was misguided and that the group was keeping "all options" open to challenge the rule.
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