Crapo Commends Historic Preservation Council Decision to Terminate Lava Ridge Consultation

Boise, Idaho--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) released the following statement on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) announcement to terminate consultation on the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project given widespread concerns about the project’s impact to the Minidoka National Historic Site.

“If constructed, the Lava Ridge project would irreparably alter the Minidoka National Historic Site,” said Crapo.  “The valid concerns of Idahoans, including Minidoka survivors, descendants and allies, regarding the Lava Ridge project have been largely disregarded by federal agencies unfamiliar with the importance of this area.  While my work continues to stop Lava Ridge for good, this is a step in the right direction for acknowledging the negative impacts of this proposed project.”

The ACHP has agreed to terminate Section 106 consultation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project.  Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to consider the consequences of their actions or affiliated projects on historic properties.  A Section 106 agreement outlines how adverse effects to historic properties will be mitigated, treated or avoided.

Last week, Idaho’s Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the ACHP urging the Council to forgo consultation.