Bat populations are being decimated by White-nose Syndrome caused by a fungus. Spraying a non-toxic chemical where bats winter is helping reduce the disease.
A coalition of oil and gas companies is seeking a 50-year permit that would allow the killing or disturbing of five bat species across Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The deadly white-nose syndrome has hit northern long-eared bats particularly hard. But federal officials have finalized new protections to help the species rebound from the disease.
