The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (we, Service), working with the Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee, developed the Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (Guidelines). These voluntary Guidelines provide a structured, scientific process for addressing wildlife conservation concerns at all stages of land-based wind energy development. They describe a process for wind project developers to use to gather information to identify sites with low risk to wildlife, and to assess, mitigate, and monitor the potential adverse effects of wind energy projects on wildlife and their habitats. They also promote effective communication among wind energy developers and Federal, State, and local conservation agencies and tribes. These Guidelines are intended to:
 Promote compliance with relevant wildlife laws and regulations;
 Encourage scientifically rigorous survey, monitoring, assessment, and research designs proportionate to the risk to species of concern;
 Produce potentially comparable data across the Nation;
 Mitigate, including avoid, minimize, and compensate for potential adverse effects on species of concern and their habitats; and,
 Improve the ability to predict and resolve effects locally, regionally, and nationally.
Although the Guidelines are voluntary, they are designed to minimize impacts to wildlife, including species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C 703-712), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668Â668d), and Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531Â1544), as well as species not afforded protection under these Acts, but which are potentially significantly impacted by wind energy development (e.g., sage grouse). The Guidelines are also consistent with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661-667e) and Executive Order 13186 Â Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds (January 10, 2001). When used in concert with appropriate regulatory tools, the Guidelines form the best practical approach for conserving species of concern.
The development of renewable energy is important for the future of the Nation and the health of the environment. The Department of the Interior is committed to facilitating the development of wind energy and other renewable resources while protecting our NationÂs treasured landscapes and wildlife. Advances in wind energy technologies and increased interest in renewable energy sources have resulted in rapid expansion of the wind energy industry in the United States. If wind energy facilities are designed and constructed in the wrong locations, they can have significant negative impacts to wildlife and their habitats. The Guidelines describe a process for wind project developers to use to gather information to identify sites with low risk to wildlife, and to assess, mitigate, and monitor the potential adverse effects of wind energy projects on wildlife and their habitats. They have undergone significant public review and comment. We believe it is important to make the final Guidelines available immediately to avoid and minimize negative effects on wildlife and their habitats.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Rev 2 PRA waiver request Feb 23 2012.pdf
WEG Supporting Statement A final.docx
Tier 5 (Other Post-construction Studies