East Idaho Times

BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, along with Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, have urged the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) to terminate Section 106 consultation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project. This follows a similar decision by the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office last month.

“Unfortunately, the views of these stakeholders—Minidoka survivors, descendants, and allies, along with the vast majority of Idahoans—have been largely disregarded. Maintaining the sanctity of Minidoka is not a matter that can be mitigated elsewhere. If constructed, the Lava Ridge project would irreparably alter this site,” wrote the delegation. “Given these concerns, we request that ACHP terminate its consultation on the development of a Section 106 agreement with the BLM. Further, we request you use all mechanisms available to prevent a Record of Decision from being published by the BLM until the ACHP has had ample opportunity to evaluate, respond to, and address the concerns of constructing such a project near the Minidoka National Historic Site.”

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to consider their actions' consequences or affiliated projects on historic properties. A Section 106 agreement outlines how adverse effects on historic properties will be mitigated, treated, or avoided.

The full letter can be read here.