The Lava Ridge Wind Project is a proposed wind farm in Magic Valley, Idaho, near the Minidoka Internment Camp historical site. The proposed project would support the largest wind farm in the country. While there are definitely pros to a wind energy farm for Idaho, an energy-importing state that relies heavily on dirty energy (coal, fossil fuels…), there are also objections. Wind turbines can cause harm to airborne species. Specifically to Lava Ridge, the expanse of the project could disrespect the Minidoka historic site, whose desolate landscape is crucial for visitors to garner some awareness of what the camp used to be.
In this first episode, Peter Richardsom from Idaho Energy Freedom gives a very simple rundown of the project. Then, he explains IEF’s stance on the project, including how they view Lava Ridge’s effect on Idaho Water and the Minidoka Internment Camp historical site.
Further resources!
Portneuf Resource Council’s new website: portneufresourcecouncil.org
“Idaho’s Got a Secret, But It's Not a Dirty One,” IEF article: https://idahoenergyfreedom.org/idahos-got-a-secret-but-its-not-a-dirty-one/
Bureau of Land Management’s information on Lava Ridge: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2013782/510
Attorney General’s letter in opposition to Lava Ridge: https://www.ag.idaho.gov/newsroom/attorney-general-raul-labrador-announces-opposition-to-the-lava-ridge-wind-project/#:~:text=The%20Lava%20Ridge%20Project%20will,Magic%20Valley%20Energy%20(MVE).
Idaho Conservation League discusses the pros and cons of Lava Ridge: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/lava-ridge-wildlife-trade-offs-tipping-point-or-try-again/
For comments, topic suggestions, or more information, please reach out to Jessa at brigjes2@isu.edu.
