Skip to Content

Letters

Chairman Hastings Letter to Acting Assistant Attorney General Robert Dreher Requesting Information on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 4, 2013 | Committee Press Office (202-225-2761)
Tags: Wildlife
Dear Acting Assistant Attorney General Dreher:

On May 16,2013, the Committee on Natural Resources ("Committee") sent a letter to the Department of Justice ("DOJ") requesting information about the enforcement of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act ("MBTA") and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ("BGEPA"). To date, DOJ has failed to provide any formal response and none of the requested information.

The original letter sought two categories of information and documents: (I) any referrals or declinations of prosecution by DOJ between January 1,2009 to the present date under the MBTA or BGEPA concerning bird fatalities associated with wind and conventional energy companies; and (2) any policies, guidance, memoranda, legal analysis, emails or other documents concerning prosecutorial discretion to not enforce the MBTA or BGEPA concerning bird fatalities associated with wind and conventional energy companies. The May 30, 2013 deadline for response passed five months ago. Despite repeated requests for updates, Committee staff have not been told when a response will be sent and whether it will be complete.

Read the entire letter HERE.