When a golden eagle was killed at the 66-turbine Spring Valley Wind Farm near Ely, Nevada, in February, wind farm operator Pattern Energy reportedly was prompt in notifying authorities of the death and already had mitigation measures in place to protect birds and bats.

Regardless, Pattern now faces a $200,000 fine over the incident because the wind facility, which began operating in August last year, does not have a “take permit.” Take permits, which are issued through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, allow for a certain number of incidental deaths of endangered or threatened wildlife species if the permit holder submits a conservation plan that documents measures to protect potentially affected species.

Garry George, renewable