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BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Idaho Resource Advisory Council’s Proposed Lava Ridge Wind Project Subcommittee will meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time, on Thursday, September 22, 2022, for a facilitated discussion to review information and issues regarding the proposed project. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and there will be time allotted at 4 p.m. for public comments.

A complete agenda and Zoom connection information is available on the BLM Idaho Resource Advisory Council website at https://on.doi.gov/3cRVrHF.

“The Lava Ridge Wind Project Subcommittee is committed to learning as much as they can. They have heard a variety of stakeholder viewpoints and have sought input from landowners, elected officials and data collection companies near already developed renewable energy projects,” said BLM Twin Falls District Manager Mike Courtney. “We greatly appreciate the time these volunteers are dedicating, and their citizen-based input will help the BLM thoroughly analyze this project.

The 15-member BLM Idaho Resource Advisory Council provides a forum that brings together stakeholders with diverse interests to provide advice and recommendations to the BLM on issues and challenges associated with the Bureau’s multiple use mission. The BLM Idaho Resource Advisory Council formed the Lava Ridge Wind Project Subcommittee to compile information and conduct research on the proposed renewable energy project.

The BLM Shoshone Field Office is currently developing an Environmental Impact Statement to analyze a proposal by Magic Valley Energy to build the proposed Lava Ridge Wind Project, which is a commercial-scale renewable energy facility of up to 400 turbines generating 1,000 megawatts of electricity on public lands near Twin Falls.

A public comment period is scheduled for 4 p.m. on September 22. Depending on the number of people wishing to comment and time available, the amount of time for individual comments may be limited. Written comments may also be submitted before the meeting via email to Idaho RAC Coordinator MJ Byrne at mbyrne@blm.gov.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.