New guidelines adopted to protect birds

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. officials and representatives from nearly 20 electric utility companies have adopted updated guidelines aimed at preventing bird electrocutions.

The Avian Power Line Interaction Committee, comprised of members from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Edison Electric Institute, has released a publication entitled "Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines." The publication contains state-of-the-art guidance to help electric utilities protect birds from electrocution on power lines.

Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett said the guidelines offer the latest techniques to both protect birds and ensure reliable electricity distribution.