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. 668668d), and Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 15311544),
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 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.
US Code:
16
USC 668-668d Name of Law: Bald and Golden Eagle Protection
Act
US Code:
16 USC 1531-1544 Name of Law: Endangered Species Act
US Code: 16
USC 661-667e Name of Law: Fish and Wildlife CoordinationAct
US Code: 16
USC 703-712 Name of Law: Migratory Bird Treaty Act
We are reporting 160 annual
responses, 707,430 annual burden hours, and $7,187,265 in nonhour
burden costs. This is a net decrease adjustment of 240 responses, a
net increase of 271,830 annual burden hours, and a net decrease of
$2,052,744 in nonhour burden costs. We based these adjustments on
our experience in administering this collection and comments
received from our survey and 60-day notice.
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.
Annotated comparison tables for burden estimates (1).pdf
1018-0148 - SSA - 2014 rev clean.docx
Tier 5 (Other Post-construction Studies