The Fish and Wildlife Service is advising AWA Goodhue Wind to apply for a permit that would reduce its liability if any eagles are killed by the spinning turbines of its planned wind farm. Without a permit, a second offense could cost the company half-a-million dollars.

Developers of a controversial wind farm in Goodhue County plan to apply for new federal permits to legally kill eagles. The Star Tribune reports the permits are part of a federal compromise between the demand for clean energy and the concern that wind farms could kill thousands of birds each year. The proposed 50-turbine site near Red Wing is home to a number of eagles and endangered golden eagles.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has overturned a Goodhue County ordinance that would have prevented construction of a 50-turbine wind farm. But the project remains on hold until the developer comes up with a plan to protect eagles and other birds.

Goodhue Wind plans to apply for a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that would allow its turbines to kill eagles without facing penalties. The proposed 48-turbine site is set to be located north of Zumbrota in southeast Minnesota. MPR reports the hearing with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has not been rescheduled.

The Public Utilities Commission dealt a setback to a planned wind farm near Red Wing. Commissioners decided the plan does not do enough to protect eagles and other birds that could be killed by its 50 turbines. The decision will at least delay the project and could kill it.

Minnesota is one of five states to sign on to a deal with White House officials that will speed up the regulatory process for offshore wind farms. The deal comes with some controversy: Critics worry offshore turbines would harm wildlife, lower property values and spoil scenic vistas. Supporters say they will mean new jobs, more homegrown energy and less pollution.

An energy task force in the Mankato area wants to power farms and other rural properties with small-scale wind turbines. The group says it would be easier to generate local power with small windmills than large-scale turbine farms, which often run into political quagmires.