In recent weeks, the right-wing media have used reports of wildlife deaths -- particularly those of bats and birds -- in order to attack wind energy. Although wind turbines are responsible for a number of wildlife deaths, precautions are being taken to reduce the number of deaths caused by wind turbines annually. As unfortunate as these wildlife deaths are, the fact remains that wind turbines provide more benefit to the environment than they do harm to wildlife.

Animals affected by wind turbines have included birds, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, and bats. The right-wing media found these deaths significant, but presumably only because it suits their alternate energy bashing agenda.

Wind turbines have been labeled by right-wing media outlets as “the green killer,” that are “bad for crop prices!” A Drudge Report post mocked wind energy's eco-friendly reputation:

Fox Nation asked, “Bald Eagles vs [sic] Wind Farms: Who Wins?”

From Fox Nation:

After a fierce, two-year fight against a proposed $179 million wind farm near Red Wing, Minn., local opponents have only one trump card left -- the bald eagle.

Just before the government shutdown on July 1, the 12,000-acre project cleared a major hurdle when the state Public Utilities Commission (PUC) voted to move it forward. But in recent months, a citizens group that has opposed the project discovered that the 50 turbines will be built smack in the middle of prime nesting territory for that beloved American symbol of freedom.

Although the right-wing media have adopted this angle to attack wind energy, wildlife deaths have not altered their ideas on fossil fuels.

For instance, according to a study done by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), coal ash is not only responsible for the deaths of fish, but is also extremely dangerous for humans.

Also, let's not forget Louisiana's offshore Deepwater Horizon/BP Oil Spill, which killed thousands of animals including birds, dolphins and whales, and sea turtles, many of which are endangered.

Overall, the benefits of wind energy are vast. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wind creates jobs, can provide economic stimulus to depressed rural areas, is inexhaustible, and enjoys low operational costs.