FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement celebrating President Donald J. Trump’s signing of an executive order to stop the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project on his first day in office. The executive order was written by Risch in partnership with the Trump administration.
“I made a promise to Idahoans that I would not rest until the Lava Ridge Wind Project was terminated. On day one, President Donald Trump took action to keep that promise,” said Risch.
“Lava Ridge has been the embodiment of liberals’ disregard for the voices of Idahoans and rural America. Despite intense and widespread opposition from Idaho and the Japanese American community, the previous administration remained dead set on pushing this unwanted project across the finish line.
“At long last, the calls from Idahoans to reject Lava Ridge have been answered. Finally, our nation has a leader who recognizes that people on the ground should have a say in how our natural resources are managed.
“On behalf of the people of Idaho, I sincerely thank President Donald Trump for putting a stake through the heart of the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project. By prioritizing this executive action on his first day in office, President Trump further cements his legacy as a leader in the revolution commonsense that governs by the people and for the people.”
Background:
Senator Risch has led the Idaho delegation in introducing legislation and other measures to block the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project, which would have built hundreds of wind turbines on nearly 100,000 acres of public land.
Since President Trump was elected by the American people in November 2024, Risch has worked closely with the incoming Trump administration to craft an executive order to terminate Lava Ridge in its entirety. The executive order signed by President Trump just hours after his inauguration fully revokes the project.
The Lava Ridge project would have visually compromised the Minidoka National Historic Site, a relocation site where more than 13,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. The project received repeated, formal, and passionate opposition from the Idaho State Legislature, Idaho’s constitutional officers, impacted county and city officials, and many in the Japanese American community.
About Jim Risch
Jim Risch represents Idaho in the United States Senate. He previously served as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Senator. For the latest press releases and constituent services visit risch.senate.gov.
