BLM approves Lava Ridge Wind Project, igniting local controversy [Video]

MINIDOKA COUNTY, Idaho — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released their final decision on Friday and are pushing forward with the controversial Lava Ridge Wind Project. 

The Lava Ridge Wind Project has been surrounded in controversy since 2023 drawing criticism from Governor Brad Little and senators Crapo and Risch as well as members from the public. 

The project is proposed by Magic Valley Energy and would place hundreds of power-generating windmills across thousands of acres in parts of Jerome, Lincoln and Minidoka counties. 

The opposition said the project would visually compromise the area, including the historically significant Minidoka National Historic Site. The project has gone through several iterations through levels of environmental impact statements throughout the years.

On Friday, the BLM released its final decision following a final environmental impact statement. In this record of decision …