The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released its Record of Decision for the Lava Ridge wind power project, a move that has met with significant opposition from various Idaho community groups. The project involves the installation of numerous wind turbines in Idaho's Magic Valley, spanning 38,000 acres across Jerome, Lincoln, and Minidoka Counties. These turbines are expected to stand at approximately 660 feet high and will primarily supply power to California.
Attorney General Raúl Labrador expressed strong opposition to the project. "Idaho has spoken very clearly in opposition to this project," he stated. Labrador criticized the Biden Administration's decision to proceed with the project, describing it as part of the Administration’s Green New Deal initiatives. He emphasized concerns about potential impacts on local farms, ranches, rural communities, agricultural aviation, water supplies, wildlife, and historical sites. "We will keep fighting this attempt to blatantly ignore the voice of Idahoans," Labrador added.
The Lava Ridge project faces resistance from a broad coalition including state and local officials, farmers, ranchers, environmentalists, hunters, water users, tribal nations, aviators, historians, archaeology groups, and organizations like Friends of Minidoka. This group represents Japanese-Americans who were unconstitutionally incarcerated during World War II. Additionally, all members of Idaho’s Congressional delegation oppose the project.