FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Christianné Allen, christianne.allen@mail.house.gov
CONTACT: Marisa Melton, marisa.melton@mail.house.gov
MERIDIAN, Idaho – U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson and U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo today urged the Department of the Interior to adopt the “No-Action Alternative” on the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project following the termination of Section 106 consultation with both the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP).
“It is not often that either of these agencies back away from a project of this size, and it would be nearly impossible for the BLM to adequately complete this work without their expertise,” wrote the members. “Unfortunately, it appears the BLM remains committed to carrying through with the project, regardless of the grave concerns that have long been expressed by Idahoans and the Japanese American community, and are further highlighted by the actions of the SHPO and ACHP. We urge you to issue a Record of Decision selecting the ‘No-Action Alternative’ for the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project and finally give deserved credence to this widespread opposition.”
The BLM considered six alternatives under the final environmental impact statement, including a No-Action Alternative. A Record of Decision selecting the No-Action Alternative would prevent Lava Ridge from being constructed.
Earlier this month, the Idaho delegation urged the ACHP to terminate Section 106 consultation with the Bureau of Land Management on the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project. The delegation’s letter followed the SHPO’s decision in August to terminate consultation. The proposed Lava Ridge project would visually compromise the Minidoka National Historic Site, a relocation site where more than 13,000 Japanese-Americans were incarcerated during World War Two. The project has been opposed by many in the Japanese American Community including the Minidoka Pilgrimage, the Friends of Minidoka, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community and Exclusion Memorial Association in Washington State, the Japanese American Museum of Oregon, the Japanese American Citizens League, the Japanese American Confinement Sites Consortium, and Minidoka survivors and descendants from across the country.
The full letter can be read here.
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