East Idaho Times

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has expressed support for President Trump's recent executive order to halt the Lava Ridge Wind Project. In a statement, Simpson criticized the Biden administration and the Bureau of Land Management for not considering the opinions of Idahoans, the Japanese American community, and those in Magic Valley who would be affected by the project. He praised Trump for "listening to the people of Idaho" and described his efforts to stop the project, including his role in authoring language in a recent appropriations act aimed at blocking its Environmental Impact Statement.

Simpson has been an outspoken critic of the Lava Ridge Wind Project. He authored language in Congress that blocked its final Environmental Impact Statement and had previously pushed for stakeholder feedback on alternative plans before proceeding with the project. Despite these efforts, he noted that the Department of the Interior did not meet legislative requirements.

Additionally, Simpson questioned BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning about whether renewable energy goals outweighed impacts on species and cultural sites. Together with other Idaho officials, Simpson introduced legislation to prevent wind or solar projects on public lands if disapproved by state legislatures. Concerns were also raised through a letter sent by Simpson and other Idaho leaders to the BLM's State Director regarding the proposed wind farm.