East Idaho Times

Boise, Idaho—U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), along with U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), have urged the U.S. Department of the Interior to adopt the “No-Action Alternative” on the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project. This request follows the termination of Section 106 consultation with both the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP).

“It is not often that either of these agencies back away from a project of this size, and it would be nearly impossible for the BLM to adequately complete this work without their expertise,” wrote the members. “Unfortunately, it appears the BLM remains committed to carrying through with the project, regardless of the grave concerns that have long been expressed by Idahoans and the Japanese American community, and are further highlighted by the actions of the SHPO and ACHP. We urge you to issue a Record of Decision selecting the ‘No-Action Alternative’ for the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project and finally give deserved credence to this widespread opposition.”

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) considered six alternatives under its final environmental impact statement, including a No-Action Alternative. A Record of Decision selecting this alternative would prevent Lava Ridge from being constructed.

Earlier this month, the Idaho delegation urged ACHP to terminate Section 106 consultation with BLM on Lava Ridge. The delegation’s letter followed SHPO’s decision in August to terminate consultation. The proposed Lava Ridge project would visually compromise Minidoka National Historic Site, a relocation site where more than 13,000 Japanese-Americans were incarcerated during World War II.

The project has faced opposition from many in the Japanese American community including organizations such as Minidoka Pilgrimage, Friends of Minidoka, Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community and Exclusion Memorial Association in Washington State, Japanese American Museum of Oregon, Japanese American Citizens League, Japanese American Confinement Sites Consortium, as well as Minidoka survivors and descendants across the country.

The full letter can be read here.