Idaho Delegation Demands Historic Preservation Council Terminate Cooperation on Lava Ridge

Boise, Idaho--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher (all R-Idaho) today urged the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) to terminate Section 106 consultation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project.  Last month, the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office made a similar decision to forgo consultation.

“Unfortunately, the views of these stakeholders—Minidoka survivors, descendants, and allies, along with the vast majority of Idahoans—have been largely disregarded.  Maintaining the sanctity of Minidoka is not a matter that can be mitigated elsewhere.  If constructed, the Lava Ridge project would irreparably alter this site,” wrote the delegation.  “Given these concerns, we request that ACHP terminate its consultation on the development of a Section 106 agreement with the BLM.  Further, we request you use all mechanisms available to prevent a Record of Decision from being published by the BLM until the ACHP has had ample opportunity to evaluate, respond to, and address the concerns of constructing such a project near the Minidoka National Historic Site.”

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. 

The full letter can be read here.