Lava Ridge Update

On April 7, 2023 County Commissioners from several different counties in Idaho signed a joint-county resolution against the Lava Ridge Wind Project proposed near Minidoka National Historic Site. Representatives from Jerome, Twin Falls, Minidoka, Cassia, Gooding, Lincoln, and Washington counties met at Minidoka National Historic Site to sign the resolution opposing not only Lava Ridge, but several other wind farm projects proposed in Southern Idaho because of the potential environmental and water risks. Changes to the landscape and hunting also informed the Commissioners’ decisions. 

Similarly, the Idaho House and Senate also unanimously signed a “no build” resolution that opposed the Lava Ridge Wind Project, citing concerns over the aquifers in the area, along with the drastic changes to the region during the construction process. Lawmakers also cited economic challenges.

The comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement ended on April 20th. The BLM received approximately 11,000 comments. Thank you to all of you who submitted comments! We will provide more information when available.