East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo have formally requested that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Tracy Stone Manning reject the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project. This request follows the passage of their bill in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which aims to delay the project.

"The message is clear. Do not approve such a controversial and unwanted project in the final days of this administration. Publishing a favorable Record of Decision at this point would be irresponsible and reprehensible," stated Risch and Crapo in their letter. They further urged consideration of opposition from Idahoans, the Japanese American community, and now, the Senate committee.

The senators' bill seeks to halt any authorization of the Lava Ridge project until a comprehensive review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is conducted on its potential adverse effects on the Minidoka National Historic Site.

Senator Risch has led efforts within Idaho's delegation to introduce legislation aimed at blocking this wind energy initiative. The proposed development involves constructing numerous wind turbines over nearly 100,000 acres in Southern Idaho, potentially impacting views around Minidoka National Historic Site—a location significant for its history as a relocation site for over 13,000 Japanese Americans during World War Two.

The project has faced consistent opposition from various entities including the Idaho State Legislature, state constitutional officers, local government officials, and members of the Japanese American community.