East Idaho Times

Boise, Idaho—U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, U.S. Senator Jim Risch, U.S. Representative Mike Simpson, Governor Brad Little, and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke (all R-Idaho) reacted today to the news that the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a final environmental impact statement approving the Lava Ridge Wind Project in south-central Idaho despite strong public opposition.

“The Federal Government should stop ignoring Idahoans on Lava Ridge," Crapo said. "Countless Idahoans have spoken out and continue to speak out against the Lava Ridge Wind Project as they know what is best for their land and livelihoods. This decision by the BLM shows the utmost disdain for the people most affected by this obtrusive and unwanted wind project. I will continue to fight with the people of Idaho in opposition to this project."

“Idahoans could not be more clear that they do not support Lava Ridge. Yet, for some reason, the BLM continues to push forward this project that no one in Idaho wants. This is not over—I will continue to fight this unnecessary and ill-begotten project,” Risch said.

"This final Environmental Impact Statement is a slap in the face to Idahoans. Despite widespread opposition at the local, state, and federal levels, the Bureau of Land Management is continuing to recklessly move forward with the Lava Ridge Project," Simpson stated. "From the start, I have made it clear that I expect the BLM to listen to and incorporate the concerns of those directly affected by the project. I authored language—passed by Congress and signed into law by the President—directing the Department of Interior to reengage and seek feedback from stakeholders on alternative plans before moving forward with Lava Ridge. The Department failed to meet those requirements of that law. The Lava Ridge Project is out-of-touch and has absolutely no place in Magic Valley. I will continue fighting to ensure that Idahoans' voices are heard.”

Governor Little commented: “This is another example of Biden Administration’s unsound energy agenda. The BLM is determined to give California electricity from Idaho despite overwhelming opposition from Idahoans and contrary actions by county, state, and federal elected officials including federal legislation and law." He added: "I do not agree with BLM’s conclusion that effects of this extraordinarily complex proposal are ‘not significant.’ It may not matter in Washington D.C., but it matters here.”

Lt. Governor Bedke emphasized: "Our public lands have long been utilized for multiple uses that meet needs and fulfill benefits of Idahoans—ranching, farming, recreation are major parts of Magic Valley’s heritage." He continued: "While domestic energy production is an emerging part of necessary conversation, BLM disregarded input on a project in our backyard favoring Californians’ energy needs instead." Bedke concluded: "Simply put California will reap benefits while Idaho gets negative impacts; we’ll know California's serious about green energy when we see wind turbines in Hollywood hills."

Crapo, Risch, Simpson, Little, and Bedke listened closely to constituents' concerns regarding proposal last year communicating these through letter addressed specifically towards BLM's State Director.

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