Parties in Federal Lawsuit Concerning Beech Ridge Wind Energy Project Announce Agreement on Bat Protection and Turbine Operation

Washington, DC—An agreement has been reached among all parties involved in federal litigation under the Endangered Species Act concerning the Beech Ridge wind project in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, that will provide for additional protection of the endangered Indiana bat and other wildlife while allowing some elements of the project to move forward and to begin producing renewable power in 2010.

The agreement, which has been filed in US District Court for the District of Maryland, resolves outstanding federal litigation by setting forth protective conditions on which additional project construction and operation may occur while Beech Ridge applies for an Incidental Take Permit relative to the Indiana bat from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The parties in the federal case have agreed to cooperate in a constructive manner during the FWS permitting process.

Details of the agreement, which has been approved by the Court, can be viewed here or obtained either from the plaintiffs or defendants in the case.