The final “Record of Decision” for the proposed Lava Ridge Wind Energy project was released by the Bureau of Land Management on Friday. This decision allows for the project to move forward with a reduced footprint and fewer turbines, as outlined in the previously announced alternative plan.
Under the approved plan, the project will have 231 turbines on BLM land, a significant decrease from the initial proposal of 400 turbines. An additional 10 turbines will be located on state-owned land. In response to concerns raised by various stakeholders, the project has also committed to moving turbines nine miles away from the Minidoka National Historic Site.
BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning stated in a news release that the decision was the result of extensive discussions with Native American leaders, Japanese American community members, cooperating agencies, ranchers, and other individuals with strong ties to the Magic Valley. This collaborative effort has led to a final decision that strikes a balance between the country’s need for clean energy development and the protection of vital natural and cultural resources in the West.
According to the agency, the approved alternative will reduce potential impacts to sage grouse, wildlife migration routes, winter range, cultural resources, the Jerome County Airport, and its many agricultural flights. The plan also includes seasonal restrictions on construction, private property setbacks, and communication between the developer and local ranchers.
However, members of Idaho’s congressional delegation have expressed their disapproval of the decision. Republican congressman Mike Simpson has vowed to work with the Trump administration to disregard the project, while Sen. Jim Risch has accused the Biden administration of pushing through a “disastrous” project at the last minute.
In the executive summary of the Final Record of Decision, BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning explains that the selected action strikes the best balance between meeting the agency’s purpose and need, promoting renewable energy development, and minimizing impacts on sensitive natural and cultural resources. This balance is achieved through strategic adjustments to the project’s siting corridor locations, a reduced footprint, adjusted design features, avoidance and minimization measures, and required compensatory mitigation.
The Lava Ridge Wind Energy project, with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, is set to become one of the largest wind farms in the U.S. and could provide power to approximately 500,000 homes. However, before construction can begin, the BLM requires an approved plan of development, fulfillment of bonding and rent requirements, and completion of pre-construction studies and permits.