The killing of iconic golden eagles is a federal crime that has been enforced by the Obama administration when birds drown in oil company waste pits or when they are electrocuted in power lines.

But when the birds slam into the spinning blades of wind turbines and fall lifeless to the ground, the wind farm owners get a pass, according to Associated Press reporter Dina Cappiello. In fact, Cappiello reports, the government is shielding the wind industry from liability and helping keep the scope of the deaths secret.