Prevent Killing Migratory Birds
One hundred years ago, Congress passed the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to save more than 1,000 species like herons, egrets, and spoonbills that were on the march to extinction. And, as threats like oil spills and power lines emerged as major dangers for birds, Republican and Democratic administrations alike have turned to this law to continue to prevent avoidable killing of birds.
It's because of the Act that oil producers now cover exposed crude oil waste pits with nets to keep birds from landing in them. And that wind energy companies have improved turbine siting to minimize killing birds.
But, now, the Department of the Interior is convoluting this critical law through a departmental legal opinion so it only applies to hunting and activities that intentionally kill birds. That means companies will no longer face legal consequences for many activities that are deadly to migratory birds.
We can't let this new interpretation stand! Tell Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke that you agree it should be against the law to kill migratory birds, by any means, at any time.
Sign our petition now and make your voice heard to help save migratory birds from needless killing.
Photo © Michael Fuhr
SUBJECT: Suspend action harming migratory birdsI'm deeply concerned about the new interpretation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that will lead to the needless killing of birds. For more than 50 years, Republican and Democratic administrations alike have demonstrated that this law applies to threats that unintentionally kill birds, and that's the way it should remain.
This ill-conceived new legal standard turns its back on decades of common sense and successfully balancing economic activity with the impact on bird populations. I urge you to suspend this opinion and convene a group of experts to recommend a sensible path forward.
signersigner