The Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project is a large-scale renewable energy project across our beautiful valley that has many of us gravely concerned.
I received good news that this week, the House will hear H.R. 4366-the 1050 page Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024.
Our voices are being heard.
First, a big thank you to Congressman Simpson and our industry organizations for their role in helping us push back on the Biden Administration’s fast-tracked development proposals (specifically the Dept. of Interior’s). In 1050 pages, Section 441 states,
“LAVA RIDGE WIND PROJECT
SEC. 441.
(a) None of the funds made available by this Act may be obligated or expended for the purpose of granting, issuing, or renewing a right-of-way under section 501 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1761) for the Lava Ridge Wind Project, unless or until the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management, has analyzed, in consultation with local elected officials and stakeholders, action alternatives designed to reduce impacts to wildlife, cultural resources, transportation, hunting, wetlands and the connected surface and ground waters. The Secretary shall complete such consultations, and seek feedback regarding action alternatives, not later than September 30, 2024, and no funds made available in this Act shall be used for granting, issuing, or renewing a right-of-way under section 501 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1761) for the Lava Ridge Wind Project while such consultations and efforts are ongoing.
(b) Prior to granting, issuing, or renewing a right of-way under section 501 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1761) for the Lava Ridge Wind Project, the Secretary shall periodically report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the status of consultations required under subsection (a) and, once such consultations are complete, provide a briefing to the Committees on the action alternatives and the feedback of local elected officials and stakeholders.”
For me this says two things:
1. Local stakeholders are KEY to the permitting process, including their challenge to navigate or understand their role in the “other” permitting that is required for these projects.
2. The tremendous impact these projects have on our county’s infrastructure and resources must be acknowledged and curtailed.
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