About this Collection
In recent years, Missouri has emerged as a growing contributor to wind energy production, ranking 19th nationally in 2023. The state’s most viable wind resources are located in the northwest region—particularly in Atchison, Nodaway, Gentry, and DeKalb counties—where flat terrain and consistent wind patterns make this area suitable for utility-scale wind development. While earlier assessments deemed much of Missouri unsuitable for commercial wind energy due to insufficient wind speeds, technological advancements have begun to expand development potential into new parts of the state. Smaller-scale turbines are also increasingly utilized across Missouri for agricultural and residential purposes.
Despite the environmental benefits of renewable energy, wind energy development poses risks to native wildlife, particularly bats. Missouri is home to several federally listed bat species that are vulnerable to turbine-related impacts, including direct collisions and barotrauma—injuries caused by sudden changes in air pressure near spinning blades. Recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicate that bats in Missouri may face some of the highest turbine-related mortality risks in the country.
Missouri's At-Risk Bat Species | |
| Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) | Endangered |
| Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) | Endangered |
| Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens) | Endangered |
| Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) | Proposed Endangered |
| Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) | Under Review |
| Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus) | Under Review |
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with wind developers and other partners to reduce impacts to at-risk species through science-based conservation measures and regulatory consultation under the Endangered Species Act. Responsible siting, operational adjustments, and continued research are essential to balancing Missouri’s renewable energy growth with the conservation of its native wildlife.
Wind Energy Development in Missouri
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines | FWS.gov
- Habitat Conservation Plans | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)
- Habitat Conservation Planning and Incidental Take Permit Processing Handbook | FWS.gov
Bats
- Rangewide Listed Bat Survey Guidelines | (fws.gov)
- Indiana Bat Fatalities at Wind Energy Facilities.pdf (fws.gov)
Migratory Birds & Eagles
- Eagle Permits | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)