Rep. Simpson Applauds President Trump's Executive Order to Kill Lava Ridge

WASHINGTON- Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement in response to President Trump's executive order to halt the Lava Ridge Wind Project.

"The Biden administration and the Bureau of Land Management blatantly disregarded the voices of Idahoans, the Japanese American Community, and the Magic Valley community directly impacted by the out-of-touch Lava Ridge Wind Project. In stark contrast, President Trump is proving what real leadership looks like by listening to the people of Idaho. I have been steadfast in my efforts to stop this project, including authoring key language in the FY25 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to block its final Environmental Impact Statement-a measure that passed the House last Congress. The Lava Ridge Wind Project is unwelcome and has zero place in our state. I stand fully behind President Trump's decision to end it once and for all," said Rep. Simpson.

Rep. Simpson's Previous Actions Against the Lava Ridge Wind Project

Rep. Simpson has been a strong vocal opponent of the Lava Ridge Wind Project and most recently authored language in the 118th Congress that blocked the final Environmental Impact Statement for the Lava Ridge Wind Project.

Rep. Simpson also made an initial attempt to block the project by authoring language-passed by Congress and signed into law by the President-directing the Department of the Interior to reengage and incorporate feedback from the stakeholders on alternative plans before moving forward with Lava Ridge. The Department failed to meet the language requirements of that law.

Additionally, Rep. Simpson questioned BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning on the proposed Lava Ridge Wind Project on public lands in Magic Valley, Idaho, and if the pressure to increase renewable energy trumps the impacts on species and cultural sites.

Rep. Simpson and the Idaho Delegation introduced legislation that would prevent the Secretary of the Interior from approving a wind or solar project on public lands if the Legislature in the respective state has passed a resolution of disapproval.

Rep. Simpson, the Idaho Delegation, Idaho Governor Brad Little, and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke sent a letter to the Idaho State Director for the BLM. They expressed concerns about the proposed Lava Ridge wind farm in south-central Idaho.