Idaho politicians are saying “Don’t DO IT” to Department of Interior
Credit: Published: October 25, 2023 | ktvb.com ~~
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Idaho Senator Jim Risch, alongside Senator Mike Crapo, Congressman Mike Simpson and Congressman Russ Fulcher introduced the Don’t Develop Obstructive Infrastructure on our Terrain (Don’t DO IT) Act.
This act is in response to the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Southern Idaho. The project is being led by the Department of the Interior, despite local opposition.
“Idahoans have been loud and clear on Lava Ridge: Don’t DO IT! Yet, the Department of the Interior is still moving full speed ahead,” Risch said. “The Don’t DO IT Act will empower Idaho and other states to prevent the federal government from implementing unwanted, obstructive, and misaligned wind and solar energy projects on public land, like Lava Ridge.”
The proposed Lava Ridge Project spans 146,000 acres and will include 370 wind turbines. The project’s location is set at the Minidoka National Historic Site, a site utilized in World War II to incarcerate more than 120,000 Japanese Americans.
“Idahoans know what is best for their land and livelihoods,” Crapo said. “Allowing state legislatures to have oversight on new wind and solar projects on federal land means the federal government and its agencies take into consideration the will of the people closest to the project.”
“The Lava Ridge Wind Project has proven to be out of touch with Idahoans,” Simpson said. “Throughout the last year, I have taken significant actions in opposing this project and advocating for Idaho’s best interests.”
He continued and said, “The Don’t DO IT Act is common-sense legislation that puts the people of Idaho first. I will always work to protect Idahoans’ way of life, and I am proud to work with the Idaho Delegation and ensure the Magic Valley is not trampled by this proposal”
In May of 2023, Risch asked for more details from Interior Secretary Deb Haaland about the Lava Ridge project. However, Secretary Haaland did not provide answers to basic questions, including the significance of the Minidoka National Historic Site and how the landscape around Lava Ridge would change.
Haaland claimed the agency listens to people and gets their input.
Risch outlined critics of the Lava Ridge project, which included:
- Idaho’s BLM Resource Advisory Council
- Seven Idaho counties in the surrounding area
- Friends of Minidoka
- The broader Japanese American community
- Senator Risch, Governor Little, Lieutenant Governor Bedke, and the entire Idaho delegation
- Many everyday Idahoans, including farmers, sportsman and ranchers.
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