Wildlife impacts vary by 
                                                        location,* and new 
                                                        developments have helped 
                                                        to reduce these effects.  
                                                        Pre- and post-development 
                                                        studies, educated siting, and 
                                                        curtailment during high-activity 
                                                        periods have decreased wildlife 
                                                        impacts.**
                                                        Additional strategies are being 
                                                        researched to better understand 
 Photo from LuRay Parker, NREL 17429
                                                        and further decrease impacts. 
  *Erickson, W.P.; Wolfe, M.M.; Bay, K.J.; Johnson, D.H.; Gehring, J.L. (September 15, 2014). 
  A Comprehensive Analysis of Small-Passerine Fatalities from Collision with Turbines at Wind Ener
  gy Facilities
  .
  **American Wind Wildlife Institute. (2014). 
  Wind Turbine Interactions with Wildlife and Their Habitats: a Summary of Research Results and 
  Priority Questions
  . 
  Bird mortality from wind turbine collisions pales in comparison to 
  other engineered structures.*
                                             The wind energy industry aggressively 
                                             works to minimize avian impacts from 
                                             wind turbines; however, it is important to 
                                             evaluate wind turbines compared to other 
                                             standing structures that exist throughout 
                                             a habitat or ecosystem. 
                                             *Loss, S.R.; Will, T.; Marra, P.P. (December 2013).
                                             Estimates of Bird Collision Mortality at Wind Facilities in the Contiguous United States. 
                                             *Longcore et al. (2013). Avian Mortaility
                                              at Communication Towers in the United States and Canada: Which Species, How Many
                                             , and Where?
                                             *Erickson, W.P.; Wolfe, M.M.; Bay, K.J.; Johnson, D.H.; Gehring, J.L. (September 15, 
                                              
                                             2014). 
                                             A Comprehensive Analysis of Small-Passerine Fatalities from Collision with Turbines at Wi
                                             nd Energy Facilities
                                             .
                                 There is no statistically significant evidence of 
                                 human health impacts from wind turbines.*
                                  Some individuals living in close proximity to wind 
                                  energy developments have expressed annoyance 
                                  attributed to turbine sound or other impacts. 
                                  Manufacturers are working to reduce mechanical and 
                                  aerodynamic noise to help alleviate these 
                                  concerns.**
                                  * Minnesota Department of Health Environmental Health Division. (2009). Public Health Impacts of Wind 
                                  Turbines. 
                                  *Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; Chief Medical Officer of Health Report. (May 20, 2010). 
                                  The Potential Health Impacts of Wind Turbines.
                                  *National Health and Medical Research Council. Canberra, Australia. (July 2010). 
                                  Wind Turbines and Health: A Rapid Review of the Evidence.
                                  *Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Massachusetts Department of Public 
                                  Health. (2012). Wind Turbine Health Impact Study: Report of Independent Expert Panel. 
                                  **U.S. Department of Energy. (2015). Wind Vision: A New Era for Wind Power in the United States.
 Photo from Forbes Park LLC, NREL 16116
                                Shadow flicker impacts vary depending on 
                                location-specific variables, but effects are 
                                typically analyzed and can be minimized.* 
                                Shadow flicker occurs when wind turbine blades cast 
                                shadows that move across the ground and nearby 
                                structures. Shadow flicker occurs more often at higher 
                                elevations, early morning and evenings, and can vary 
                                due to surrounding structures and vegetation. Wind 
                                plant designers and turbine operators have the ability 
                                to minimize potential impacts, and most wind zoning 
                                places limits on flicker impacts.**
                                *Stanton, T. National Regulatory Research Institute. (January 2012). 
                                Wind Energy & Wind-Park Siting and Zoning Best Practices and Guidance for States. 
                                **U.S. Department of Energy. (2015). Wind Vision: A New Era for Wind Power in the United States.
 Photo from Iberdrola Renewables, NREL 15246
                                   Radar impacts exist, but federal agency 
                                   siting requirements address concerns. 
                                   A variety of mitigation strategies have been 
                                   developed to reduce impacts on radar. These include 
                                   infill radars to restore a loss in radar coverage, 
                                   replacement radars, and upgrading identified radar 
                                   technology.* In addition, rigorous review processes 
                                   and federal consultations address this issue.** 
  Photo from NOAA
                                   *Karlson et al. Sandia National Laboratory. (September 2014). 
                                   IFT&E Industry Report Wind Turbine-Radar Interference Test Summary. 
                                   ** Federal Aviation Administration. DoD Preliminary Screening Tool.