Activists Sue Over Bird Deaths at Wind Farm

Citing studies documenting deaths of golden eagles and other raptors in turbines at the Altamont Pass wind farm, the Center for Biological Diversity environmental organization filed suit Monday in U.S. District Court against two major power companies operating in the pass 20 miles east of Oakland.

The lawsuit, which seeks punitive and monetary damages, claims that FPL Group Inc. and NEG Micon -- owners of more than half of the 5,400 turbines in Altamont -- failed to take action to reduce bird deaths despite numerous reports detailing unusually high bird-kill rates in the pass, which is a major raptor migration route.