Includes bibliographical references (pages 219-266). Print version record.

1.Introduction -- Generating Electricity from Wind Energy -- The Present Study -- Developing an Analytical Framework -- Temporal and Spatial Scales of Analysis -- Understanding and Assessing Cumulative Environmental Effects -- Organization of the Report -- 2.Context for Analysis of Effects of Wind-Powered Electricity Generation in the United States and the Mid-Atlantic Highlands -- Estimating the Environmental Benefits of Generating Electricity from Wind Energy -- Wind Energy Globally -- Quantifying Wind-Energy Benefits in the United States and the Mid-Atlantic Highlands -- Conclusions -- 3.Ecological Effects of Wind-Energy Development -- Chapter Overview -- Introduction -- Bird Deaths in Context -- Turbines Cause Fatalities to Birds and Bats -- Bird and Bat Fatalities -- Wind-Energy Projects Alter Ecosystem Structure -- Projected Cumulative Impacts of Bird and Bat Fatalities: A Working Hypothesis -- Conclusions and Recommendations -- 4.Impacts of Wind-Energy Development on Humans -- Introduction -- Aesthetic Impacts -- Cultural Impacts -- Impacts on Human Health and Well-Being -- Local Economic and Fiscal Impacts -- Electromagnetic Interference -- Conclusions and Recommendations -- General Conclusions and Recommendations -- 5.Planning for and Regulating Wind-Energy Development -- Guidelines for Wind-Energy Planning and Regulation -- Regulation of Wind-Energy Development -- Framework for Reviewing Wind-Energy Proposals -- Conclusions and Recommendations -- A.About the Authors -- B.Emission Rates for Electrical Generation -- C.Methods and Metrics for Wildlife Studies.