WV SB21

Imposes a wildlife impact fee on wind power project operators when their wind turbines, towers, or related components injure or kill protected birds, wild birds (including bald eagles, golden eagles, ravens, hawks, owls, and woodcocks), or bats

Fee amounts are determined according to existing wildlife replacement provisions in §20-2-5a and must be paid to the Division of Natural Resources

All collected fees are deposited into the Wildlife Endowment Fund for use in wildlife replacement, habitat management, education, or enforcement programs

Injuries or deaths of wildlife caused by wind power project collisions are exempt from criminal prosecution but still subject to the civil wildlife impact fee

Defines covered wind power project components broadly to include turbine blades, rotors, towers, foundations, electrical cables, and meteorological masts