House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee advances measures opposing Lava Ridge wind project

The House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee voted to send Joint Memorial 5 and House Concurrent Resolution 8 to the Idaho House floor with "do pass" recommendations, advancing measures that direct federal and state leaders to oppose the Bureau of Land Management-approved Lava Ridge wind project.

Representative Lance Clow, District 25 of Twin Falls, who sponsored the measures, told the committee the Lava Ridge proposal would place 231 wind turbines on public lands near the Magic Valley and said the project raises short-term construction, infrastructure and environmental risks for local communities.

"This is a wind turbine project in the Magic Valley that, we've been the citizens of Twin Falls and Magic Valley have been objecting to for quite a few years," Clow said. He told the committee the Bureau of Land Management approved a reduced plan that lowered turbine…