The U.S. Department of the Interior recently released a legal opinion that interpreted the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The American Petroleum Institute (API), the largest national trade association of oil and natural gas, spoke favorably of the opinion.
The U.S. oil and natural gas industry supports protection of migratory birds, and this opinion makes clear that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act should not be used for overzealous enforcement of criminal penalties on those engaging in otherwise lawful activities," API Upstream and Industry Operations Group Director Erik Milito said. "The department’s approach is an example of astute governance that provides certainty for responsible owners and operators of oil and natural gas facilities. The opinion reinforces the original intent and text of this law and provides assurance to many others who engage in everyday and commercial activities like farming, mining, and operating wind turbines and solar facilities.”
API supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and contributes to about 8 percent of the nation’s economy. It has over 625 members, which includes large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms.
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