East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both representing Idaho, have urged the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to reject the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project. The appeal comes after their bill aimed at delaying the project was passed by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

In a letter addressed to BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning, Crapo and Risch stated: “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.” They emphasized that the rejection of the project has been voiced by "Idahoans, the Japanese American community, and now the committee of jurisdiction in the United States Senate."

The senators' proposed legislation seeks to halt any authorization for Lava Ridge until a comprehensive review is conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The review would assess potential adverse effects on the Minidoka National Historic Site.

The Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project proposes constructing hundreds of wind turbines over nearly 100,000 acres in Southern Idaho. Concerns have been raised about its visual impact on Minidoka National Historic Site, historically significant as a World War II relocation site for over 13,000 Japanese Americans. Opposition has been expressed by various stakeholders including Idaho's State Legislature, Constitutional Officers, local officials, and members of the Japanese American community.

The full text of Crapo and Risch's letter can be accessed online.