We’ve learned from our friends at the National Audubon Society that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is at risk. The US House Committee on Natural Resources recently approved energy legislation to which an amendment was added that would significantly weaken this important bird protection.
Bald eagle © Robert DesRosiers
The MBTA is one of the country’s oldest and most effective protections for birds, making it illegal to hunt, trap, kill, or possess nearly 1,000 avian species. When birds die through activities like energy extraction, the MBTA is one way to hold industry responsible, and gives companies a strong incentive to avoid such impacts in the first place.
The amendment filed by US Representative Liz Cheney (R-WY) strips away this incentive. If the bill as amended becomes law, industries would no longer be held accountable for bird deaths, such as birds killed in oil spills.
A full vote is expected in the House soon. Please contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to vote NO on this harmful amendment.