BLM Halves Size Of Controversial Idaho Wind Farm Project

The federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has significantly reduced the size of the proposed Lava Ridge wind farm in southern Idaho, nearly halving its original scale to address concerns about its impact on the Minidoka National Historic Site, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

The Lava Ridge wind farm project has faced strong opposition from various stakeholders, including government leaders, local ranchers, and community members. I Photo: Magic Valley Energy Facebook

Initially planned to include 400 wind turbines, the BLM's preferred alternative, outlined in its final environmental review, proposes reducing the number of turbines to 241 and capping their maximum height at 660 feet (201 meters).

This adjustment moves the nearest turbine to at least 9 miles (14 kilometers) away from the historic site, which memorializes the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

The project has faced strong opposition from various stakeholders, including government leaders, local ranchers, and community members.

They have raised concerns about the wind farm's potential to disturb the historic site's environment and visitor experience. By modifying the project's scope and location, the BLM aims to mitigate these concerns while still advancing renewable energy goals.