Idaho clean energy project tanked in US Congress

Credit: Andru Zodrow, NonStop Local Digital Journalist, Jul 10, 2024, khq.com ~~

Idaho’s US Representative Mike Simpson (R) took home a political win Wednesday by blocking a clean energy project from moving forward in the Magic Valley.

He joined Idaho Governor Brad Little (R) in spearheading legislative resistance to the Lava Ridge Windmill Project, a proposed wind farm that would generate an estimated 700 jobs and reduce the Gem State’s carbon emissions.

Simpson added language to the Fiscal Year 2025 funding package that could bar the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) project from progressing in the next year. He touted the language in a statement to media outlets.

“The Lava Ridge Wind Project is out-of-touch and has no place in our state. As Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee—which has jurisdiction over the BLM—I remain committed to fighting with the people of Idaho in opposition to this project,” Simpson said.

Little celebrated the blockage via social media and argued that the Lava Ridge Windmills represented federal overreach.

“The Biden Administration continues to bulldoze Idahoans and disregard our opposition to Lava Ridge. @CongMikeSimpson is fighting back. Thank you for taking a stand for the people of Idaho!” Little said.

Idaho’s government has a long history of resistance to clean [sic] power projects. Most recently, state Attorney General Raúl R. Labrador joined lawsuits against the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contesting regulations on coal plants and natural gas resources in May.

Source: Andru Zodrow, NonStop Local Digital Journalist, Jul 10, 2024,