The Interior Department is close to finalizing a rule that would allow wind farms to kill eagles, National Journal reports.
The White House Office of Management and Budget signed off Wednesday on the heavily lobbied rule, which would boost the available permit period from five to 30 years, records show.
The rule, which has faced opposition from environmental groups, authorizes the non-intentional deaths of eagles but also contains conservation provisions, according to a summary of the plan on OMB's website.
The summary touts provisions designed to "ensure the preservation of eagles."
Supporters of the rule and the Obama administration say the 30-year permits will provide the wind industry with regulatory certainty.