Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has introduced the Don’t Develop Obstructive Infrastructure on our Terrain (Don’t DO IT) Act. This legislation would prevent the Secretary of Interior from approving a wind or solar project on public lands if the Legislature in the respective state has passed a resolution of disapproval. This legislation comes as the proposal to build a 400-turbine wind-generating facility in the Magic Valley has been matched with strong opposition from Idaho residents.
The Don’t DO IT Act comes after the Idaho State Legislature adopted a resolution opposing this project with unanimous support in March and has support from the entire Idaho Delegation. Rep. Mike Simpson led the bill in the House, with support from Rep. Russ Fulcher. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo are leading the bill in the Senate.
“The Lava Ridge Wind Project has proven to be out of touch with Idahoans,” said Rep. Simpson. “Throughout the last year, I have taken significant actions in opposing this project and advocating for Idaho’s best interests. The Don’t DO IT Act is common-sense legislation that puts the people of Idaho first. I will always work to protect Idahoans’ way of life, and I am proud to work with the Idaho Delegation and ensure the Magic Valley is not trampled by this proposal.”
“I appreciate working with Congressman Simpson, Senator Risch, and Senator Crapo to prevent the federal government from trying to run roughshod over the State of Idaho when it comes to energy projects that can’t make it on their own in the market. With my colleagues, I opposed the Lava Ridge Wind Project because it undermined Idahoans’ way of life. I stand with my colleagues and the people of Idaho in supporting the Don’t DO IT Act,” said Rep. Fulcher.
“Idahoans have been loud and clear on Lava Ridge: Don’t DO IT! Yet, the Department of the Interior is still moving full speed ahead,” said Sen. Risch. “The Don’t DO IT Act will empower Idaho and other states to prevent the federal government from implementing unwanted, obstructive, and misaligned wind and solar energy projects on public land, like Lava Ridge.”
“Idahoans know what is best for their land and livelihoods,” said Sen. Crapo. “Allowing state legislatures to have oversight on new wind and solar projects on federal land means the federal government and its agencies take into consideration the will of the people closest to the project.”
Rep. Simpson’s Previous Actions Against the Lava Ridge Wind Project
Rep. Simpson has been a strong vocal opponent and has advocated for the BLM to listen to Idahoans’ concerns. He recently secured a provision related to onshore wind projects in Idaho requiring the Comptroller General to produce a report identifying potential adverse effects of wind energy development in the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
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, the Idaho Delegation, and Idaho Governor Brad Little and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke sent a letter to Karen Kelleher, Idaho State Director for the BLM, and expressed their concerns about the Lava Ridge wind farm proposed in south-central Idaho.
The full text of the bill is available here.
