TWIN FALLS, Idaho – A wind mill project in Idaho’s Magic Valley is facing strong headwinds, with Governor Brad Little voicing his opposition to the clean energy project.
The US Bureau of Land Management proposed Lava Ridge Windmill Project would help the Gem State become more energy independent, reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and generate an estimated 700 jobs over its three year construction period. Little argues that the costs outweigh the benefits.
“This project has garnered near unanimous opposition in Idaho, and yet, this administration seems dead set to push it forward,” Little said Tuesday.
Opposition to the project is split between two main camps. Some detractors argue that the project could impede airspace, while others cite the proximity of the proposed wind power field to a World War II era Japanese-American concentration camp.
Both US Congressman from Idaho and both US Senators have voiced their opposition to the measure, citing the importance of preserving rural life in Idaho and concerns from the Minidoka National Historic Site.
“The Biden Administration must be held accountable. It cannot continue to unilaterally ram through renewable energy projects with no local support,” US Congressman Mike Simpson (R) said.
Opposition to renewable energy projects has a long political history in Idaho, particularly wind projects. Large scale solar and wind projects are completely banned in Bannock County,
The US Bureau of Land Management attempted to compromise with Idaho’s congressmen and senators by proposing a scaled-back version of the wind farm on June 11, but it was still met with opposition from Little and seems to have fallen flat with detractors.
It is unclear whether the federal government will move ahead with the project, which is on federally-owned land and does not technically require state approval, or whether another version of the project will be placed before policymakers.
