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 the series’ second installment, John Robison walks us through what can be found in any environmental impact statement produced by the BLM, including effects to wildlife and climate as well as proposed alternatives to the original project. Then, John talks about the Lava Ridge DEIS (linked below!) specifically, and how the huge wind farm could have both good and bad effects on Idaho.
Further resources!
Portneuf Resource Council’s new website: portneufresourcecouncil.org
Bureau of Land Management’s information on Lava Ridge (inducing the DEIS!): https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2013782/510
A link directly to the PDF with the DEIS and the executive summary of the DEIS: https://eplanning.blm.gov/public_projects/2013782/200493266/20072054/250078236/Lava_Ridge_DEIS_V1_ExecSum-Chapters.pdf
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/
“Clean Energy in Idaho: The Need, the Opportunity, and Where Wind Fits In.” Another ICL blog unpacking the project: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/clean-energy-in-idaho-the-need-the-opportunity-and-where-wind-fits-in/
Click here to see more blogs written by the ICL concerning Lava Ridge: https://www.idahoconservation.org/?s=lava+ridge&swpmfe=652ea0d21b1427a1bfa685e40d9bc1de
Idaho Energy Freedom’s article about the Lava Ridge EIS. Although the commenting period is closed, it is still important to understand what’s happening on our public lands: https://idahoenergyfreedom.org/the-eis-for-lava-ridge-wind-project-what-it-means-how-to-engage/
“What is Lava Ridge and Why is It Important?” An article written by the Friends of Minidoka: https://www.minidoka.org/lava-ridge
Read about some of the arguments against Lava Ridge at Stop Lava Ridge Project: https://stoplavaridge.com/
For comments, topic suggestions, or more information, please reach out to Jessa at brigjes2@isu.edu.
