East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Jim Risch from Idaho has expressed his satisfaction following President Donald J. Trump's executive order to halt the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project. The executive action, signed on President Trump's first day in office, was developed by Risch in collaboration with the Trump administration.

“I made a promise to Idahoans that I would not rest until the Lava Ridge Wind Project was terminated. On day one, President Donald Trump took action to keep that promise,” stated Risch.

He continued, “Lava Ridge has been the embodiment of liberals’ disregard for the voices of Idahoans and rural America. Despite intense and widespread opposition from Idaho and the Japanese American community, the previous administration remained dead set on pushing this unwanted project across the finish line."

Risch further commented, "At long last, the calls from Idahoans to reject Lava Ridge have been answered. Finally, our nation has a leader who recognizes that people on the ground should have a say in how our natural resources are managed."

He added his gratitude towards Trump: "On behalf of the people of Idaho, I sincerely thank President Donald Trump for putting a stake through the heart of the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project. By prioritizing this executive action on his first day in office, President Trump further cements his legacy as a leader in revolution commonsense that governs by the people and for the people.”

Senator Risch had previously led efforts within Idaho's delegation to introduce legislation aimed at blocking Lava Ridge. The project involved plans to construct numerous wind turbines over nearly 100,000 acres of public land.

Following Trump's election victory in November 2024, Risch worked closely with his administration to draft an order terminating Lava Ridge entirely. This executive decision effectively revokes all aspects of the project just hours after Trump's inauguration.

The proposed development faced significant opposition due to its potential impact on Minidoka National Historic Site—a location where over 13,000 Japanese Americans were detained during World War II. Formal objections came from various quarters including Idaho’s state legislature, constitutional officers as well as county and city officials alongside members from within Japan’s American communities.