Exxon Admits Killing Birds, Will Pay $600K

Exxon has pleaded guilty in federal court and agreed to pay $600,000 in fines over the deaths of dozens of birds at its drilling and production facilities, the Los Angeles Times reports. The 85 birds, including owls, waterfowl, and hawks, died after being exposed to hydrocarbons at Exxon's natural gas pits and waste ponds in five Western states. 

"We are all responsible for protecting our wildlife, even the largest of corporations," said Colorado's US attorney. The company agreed to figure out ways to minimize bird deaths, and said it has already spent millions to prevent them from landing at its facilities and being exposed to toxic chemicals. Exxon's fines will help protect wetlands and waterfowl.
(More Exxon stories.)