the LAVA rIDGE WIND PROJECT...
The following articles illustrate in part the biden administration's obsession with promoting green energy at the expense of the people of this nation. this effort cannot be stopped with idle pleadings. today idaho is in biden's crosshairs, tomorrow it may be your home state. idaho politicians must act now to stop the lava ridge wind project, or we will lose our home state to these radicals.
ABOUT THE LAVA RIDGE WIND PROJECT....
The Lava Ridge Wind Project is a proposed wind energy plant to be built on BLM managed lands in the SNAKE RIVER PLAIN of Idaho. It would have had a maximum of 400 wind turbines generating a nameplate capacity of over 1000 MW, making it one of the most powerful wind farms in the United States. The project has faced opposition, in part due to turbines and infrastructure potentially being visible from the site of the former Minidoka internment camp. On June 6, 2024, the Bureau of Land Management issued their final environmental impact statement, outlining their preferred alternative, which would reduce the project's footprint by approximately 50% compared to the original proposal. The project has faced opposition, in part due to turbines and infrastructure potentially being visible from the site of the former Minidoka internment camp. On June 6, 2024, the Bureau of Land Management issued their final environmental impact statement, outlining their preferred alternative, which would reduce the project's footprint by approximately 50% compared to the original proposal.
The project is notable for its potential use of very large 6 MW wind turbines with hubs 460 feet (140 m) tall and blades up to 280 feet (85 m) long, reaching a maximum height of 740 feet (230 m) into the air. Groups opposed to the project have negatively commented on the height of these turbines, comparing it to twice the height of the Statue of Liberty [305 feet (93 m) from ground level] and the Space Needle [605 feet (184 m)].
The final environmental impact statement outlined the BLM's preferred alternative, which reduced the siting corridors from 84,051 acres to 44,758 acres. The maximum turbine size was reduced from 6 MW to 5 MW (limited at 660 feet (200 m) tall), and the maximum number of turbines was reduced from 400 to 241. The maximum estimated generating capacity was reduced from 2,094 MW to 1,205 MW. The estimated annual generation was reduced from 6.4-8.3 TWh with all 6-MW turbines to 3.7-4.8 TWh with all 5-MW turbines. (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lava_Ridge_Wind_Project)
What is the Snake River Plain?
Kimama Butte
Mountain climber Tom Lopez best described the Snake River Plain in his book entitled "Idaho: A Climbing Guide" (also on his website, https://www.idahoaclimbingguide.com/ ):
"The Snake River Plain is the largest contiguous geologic feature in Idaho. The Plain forms a large crescent stretching from Yellowstone Park in the State’s northeast corner across the state through Idaho Falls, American Falls, Burley, Twin Falls, Mountain Home and into Oregon around Ontario, Oregon. The Plain was formed by volcanic activity that has left its mark throughout the area in the form of lava fields and volcanic cones. The geology of the Plain taken from the book ("Idaho: A Climbing Guide") states:
Fifteen million years ago volcanic activity on a massive scale began once again in Idaho. This activity created the expansive Snake River Plain and is still continuing, with the last eruptions occurring only two thousand years ago. Geologists are still formulating the theoretical explanation of the forces that formed the Snake River Plain. Some hold to the theory that the plain was formed by a massive subsidence of the earth’s crust; there is evidence to support this theory. More recently, it has been theorized that the volcanic plain is the result of the North American Plate crossing over a “hot spot” in the mantle similar to the one that is credited with the formation of the Hawaiian Islands. According to this theory, the hot spot is now under the Yellowstone Plateau–where evidence of volcanic activity is certainly apparent. The age of the rocks in the Snake River Plain supports this theory; the youngest rocks are in the vicinity of Yellowstone, with the rocks getting progressively older to the west.
Whatever the explanation behind its formation, the Snake River Plain is a veritable museum exhibit of volcanic activity, with both volcanic cones and large fissures (where the earth simply opened up and lava poured out) on display. Many of the lava flows are so fresh that vegetation has barely taken hold. The features found in this region include massive calderas, shield volcanoes, symmetrical cinder cones, spatter cones, lava flows, lava tubes, ice caves and numerous rift systems.
The Great Rift runs from Craters of the Moon National Monument southeast and south for 50 miles and is up to 5 miles wide. An aerial view of the Great Rift reveals more about how the Snake River plain formed than words might ever express. From the air you see the rift as a huge crack which runs for miles. On either side of the crack, dark lava flows have poured out like blood from a cut and then hardened like crusty scabs
Because of its massive size, the Snake River Plain is difficult to comprehend from any terrestrial perspective. Large features are swallowed up by the vastness. For example, when you are on top of a butte, like Wildhorse Butte, you will realize that you are significantly “up in the air” but when you look at the butte from a distance it only appears as a slight rise.
The many volcanic cones found in the Snake River Plain are not discussed in the book which focused on the state’s mountain ranges, but many of these cones are exceptional and have become goals for peakbaggers and explorers. Craters of the Moon National Monument is a great place to explore the most recent volcanic activity. Kimama Butte is a relatively easy to reach spot to get view the plain. Crater Butte harbors one of the plain’s most interesting and least known feature. Big Southern Butte is not only the highest of all the volcanic cones but it is also an other-worldly destination.
DANGEROUS COUNTRY
Traveling across this volcanic country is often difficult and fraught with dangers. The Snake River Plain and its peaks are quintessential desert terrain. Remember above all else that it is wild, remote, desert country. Be prepared for difficult and sometimes treacherous travel conditions including bad and/or impassable roads, heat, rattlesnakes and every other conceivable hazard found in desert terrain.
Take a 4wd vehicle with good all-terrain tires (6 or more ply sidewalls). Don’t depend on cell phone coverage. Buy BLM Surface Management maps to supplement topographic maps. Keep the gas tank full. Take extra fuel. Fuel up at every opportunity. Don’t expect anyone to find you if you get stuck or your battery goes dead. We took an emergency car battery as a backup. A shovel is a necessity and chains are essential in wet weather. The book Snake: The Plain And Its People, edited by Todd Shallat, is the single-best resource on this fascinating area.
Fifteen million years ago volcanic activity on a massive scale began once again in Idaho. This activity created the expansive Snake River Plain and is still continuing, with the last eruptions occurring only two thousand years ago. Geologists are still formulating the theoretical explanation of the forces that formed the Snake River Plain. Some hold to the theory that the plain was formed by a massive subsidence of the earth’s crust; there is evidence to support this theory. More recently, it has been theorized that the volcanic plain is the result of the North American Plate crossing over a “hot spot” in the mantle similar to the one that is credited with the formation of the Hawaiian Islands. According to this theory, the hot spot is now under the Yellowstone Plateau–where evidence of volcanic activity is certainly apparent. The age of the rocks in the Snake River Plain supports this theory; the youngest rocks are in the vicinity of Yellowstone, with the rocks getting progressively older to the west.
Whatever the explanation behind its formation, the Snake River Plain is a veritable museum exhibit of volcanic activity, with both volcanic cones and large fissures (where the earth simply opened up and lava poured out) on display. Many of the lava flows are so fresh that vegetation has barely taken hold. The features found in this region include massive calderas, shield volcanoes, symmetrical cinder cones, spatter cones, lava flows, lava tubes, ice caves and numerous rift systems.
The Great Rift runs from Craters of the Moon National Monument southeast and south for 50 miles and is up to 5 miles wide. An aerial view of the Great Rift reveals more about how the Snake River plain formed than words might ever express. From the air you see the rift as a huge crack which runs for miles. On either side of the crack, dark lava flows have poured out like blood from a cut and then hardened like crusty scabs
Because of its massive size, the Snake River Plain is difficult to comprehend from any terrestrial perspective. Large features are swallowed up by the vastness. For example, when you are on top of a butte, like Wildhorse Butte, you will realize that you are significantly “up in the air” but when you look at the butte from a distance it only appears as a slight rise.
The many volcanic cones found in the Snake River Plain are not discussed in the book which focused on the state’s mountain ranges, but many of these cones are exceptional and have become goals for peakbaggers and explorers. Craters of the Moon National Monument is a great place to explore the most recent volcanic activity. Kimama Butte is a relatively easy to reach spot to get view the plain. Crater Butte harbors one of the plain’s most interesting and least known feature. Big Southern Butte is not only the highest of all the volcanic cones but it is also an other-worldly destination.
DANGEROUS COUNTRY
Traveling across this volcanic country is often difficult and fraught with dangers. The Snake River Plain and its peaks are quintessential desert terrain. Remember above all else that it is wild, remote, desert country. Be prepared for difficult and sometimes treacherous travel conditions including bad and/or impassable roads, heat, rattlesnakes and every other conceivable hazard found in desert terrain.
Take a 4wd vehicle with good all-terrain tires (6 or more ply sidewalls). Don’t depend on cell phone coverage. Buy BLM Surface Management maps to supplement topographic maps. Keep the gas tank full. Take extra fuel. Fuel up at every opportunity. Don’t expect anyone to find you if you get stuck or your battery goes dead. We took an emergency car battery as a backup. A shovel is a necessity and chains are essential in wet weather. The book Snake: The Plain And Its People, edited by Todd Shallat, is the single-best resource on this fascinating area.
The Twin Buttes are two more impressive volcanic features located east of Big Southern Butte!
Crater Butte harbors a giant crater. This is the north wall of the crater which is 300 feet deep.
Remember, The BLM has been asked by Congress to increase production of renewable energy on federal lands to at least "25 gigawatts of electricity from wind, solar, and geothermal energy projects by not later than 2025."
Geothermal Expansion..
Geothermal exploration involves searching the subsurface for viable active geothermal regions with the goal of building geothermal power plants. These plants use hot fluids to drive turbines and generate electricity. Here are some key points about geothermal exploration:
1. Methods of Exploration:Drilling: Provides accurate information but is costly. Thermal gradient holes, exploration wells, and production wells offer reliable data on subsurface conditions.Geophysics: Techniques like seismology, gravity, resistivity, and magnetotellurics help identify geothermal features.Geochemistry: Analyzing gases, minerals, and water in the subsurface provides insights.Engineering: Evaluates plumbing systems and cost-effective drilling locations.2. Geothermal Elements:Heat Source: Shallow magmatic bodies, decaying radioactive elements, or ambient heat.Reservoir: Collection of hot rocks from which heat can be drawn.Geothermal Fluid: Gas, vapor, and water within the reservoir.Recharge Area: Surrounding region that rehydrates the geothermal system.
Note: The Lava Ridge Wind Project is denoted in the above illustration by the green square in the lower center of the map
Biden's Executive Order 14008 & it's Devastating Potential Impact
The administration’s plan to restructure the country by 2030 is set out clearly in an executive order signed by President Biden upon taking office in January 2021. Key elements of this order include: a pause of issuing new oil & natural gas leases on public lands or in offshore waters; the creation of millions of new union jobs to build a new American infrastructure & clean energy economy; a goal of conserving at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030; ensuring that environmental & economic justice are key considerations in how we govern; and a goal that 40% of the overall benefit of these efforts flow to disadvantaged communities.
Notably, the goal of idling at least 30% of the country’s lands & waters will make the government the largest landowner (even bigger than Bill Gates), squeezing farmland availability and traditional food production (consistent with the Netherlands’ decision to close between 2,000 – 3,000 farms & other large nitrogen emitters by 2030 which they will purchase for $25B at prices “well over” their property values).
Key Points of the Order: The United States and the world face a profound climate crisis. We have a narrow moment to pursue action at home and abroad in order to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of that crisis and to seize the opportunity that tackling climate change presents. We must listen to science—and act. We must strengthen our clean air and water protection. We must hold polluters accountable for their actions. We must deliver environmental justice in communities all across America. Together, we must combat the climate crisis with a bold, progressive action that combines the full capacity of the Federal Government with efforts from every corner of our Nation, every level of government, and every sector of our economy. By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Sec. 208. Oil and Natural Gas Development on Public Lands and in Offshore Waters. To the extent consistent with applicable law, the Secretary of the Interior shall pause new oil and natural gas leases on public lands or in offshore waters pending completion of a comprehensive review and reconsideration of Federal oil and gas permitting and leasing practices in light of the Secretary of the Interior’s broad stewardship responsibilities over the public lands and in offshore waters, including potential climate and other impacts associated with oil and gas activities on public lands or in offshore waters. The Secretary of the Interior shall consider whether to adjust royalties associated with coal, oil, and gas resources extracted from public lands and offshore waters or take other appropriate action, to account for corresponding climate costs......... .......Sec. 216. Conserving Our Nation’s Lands and Waters. (a) The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall submit a report to the Task Force within 90 days of the date of this order recommending steps that the United States should take, working with State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, agricultural and forest landowners, fishermen, and other key stakeholders, to achieve the goal of conserving at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030.........
.......Sec. 223. Justice Initiative. (a) Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Climate Advisor, in consultation with the Advisory Council, shall jointly publish recommendations on how certain Federal investments might be made toward a goal that 40% of the overall benefits flow to disadvantaged communities. The recommendations shall focus on investments in the areas of clean energy and energy efficiency; clean transit; affordable and sustainable housing; training and workforce development; the remediation and reduction of legacy pollution; and the development of critical clean water infrastructure. The recommendations shall reflect existing authorities the agencies may possess for achieving the 40% goal as well as recommendations on any legislation needed to achieve the 40% goal. (source: https://nobulleconomics.com/executive-order-14008-the-devastating-potential-impact-on-farming/)
Notably, the goal of idling at least 30% of the country’s lands & waters will make the government the largest landowner (even bigger than Bill Gates), squeezing farmland availability and traditional food production (consistent with the Netherlands’ decision to close between 2,000 – 3,000 farms & other large nitrogen emitters by 2030 which they will purchase for $25B at prices “well over” their property values).
Key Points of the Order: The United States and the world face a profound climate crisis. We have a narrow moment to pursue action at home and abroad in order to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of that crisis and to seize the opportunity that tackling climate change presents. We must listen to science—and act. We must strengthen our clean air and water protection. We must hold polluters accountable for their actions. We must deliver environmental justice in communities all across America. Together, we must combat the climate crisis with a bold, progressive action that combines the full capacity of the Federal Government with efforts from every corner of our Nation, every level of government, and every sector of our economy. By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Sec. 208. Oil and Natural Gas Development on Public Lands and in Offshore Waters. To the extent consistent with applicable law, the Secretary of the Interior shall pause new oil and natural gas leases on public lands or in offshore waters pending completion of a comprehensive review and reconsideration of Federal oil and gas permitting and leasing practices in light of the Secretary of the Interior’s broad stewardship responsibilities over the public lands and in offshore waters, including potential climate and other impacts associated with oil and gas activities on public lands or in offshore waters. The Secretary of the Interior shall consider whether to adjust royalties associated with coal, oil, and gas resources extracted from public lands and offshore waters or take other appropriate action, to account for corresponding climate costs......... .......Sec. 216. Conserving Our Nation’s Lands and Waters. (a) The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall submit a report to the Task Force within 90 days of the date of this order recommending steps that the United States should take, working with State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, agricultural and forest landowners, fishermen, and other key stakeholders, to achieve the goal of conserving at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030.........
.......Sec. 223. Justice Initiative. (a) Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Climate Advisor, in consultation with the Advisory Council, shall jointly publish recommendations on how certain Federal investments might be made toward a goal that 40% of the overall benefits flow to disadvantaged communities. The recommendations shall focus on investments in the areas of clean energy and energy efficiency; clean transit; affordable and sustainable housing; training and workforce development; the remediation and reduction of legacy pollution; and the development of critical clean water infrastructure. The recommendations shall reflect existing authorities the agencies may possess for achieving the 40% goal as well as recommendations on any legislation needed to achieve the 40% goal. (source: https://nobulleconomics.com/executive-order-14008-the-devastating-potential-impact-on-farming/)
The first geothermal well was drilled in the Snake River Plain in 1980. The geologist's name was S.M. Prestwich. Today, the Project Manager for the first Lava Ridsge Wind Project is Casey Prestwich..... coincidence? I doubt it!
Meanwhile , in Utah, geothermal power development hit a milestone recently when a California utility backed the largest new geothermal power development in the U.S. — 400 megawatts of electricity from the Earth's heat — enough for some 400,000 homes. Southern California Edison will purchase the electricity from Fervo Energy, a Houston-based geothermal company, Fervo announced.
The company is drilling up to 125 wells in southwest Utah. Fervo is pioneering horizontal drilling in geothermal reservoirs. It signed the world's first corporate agreement with Google in 2021 to develop new geothermal power and drilled three wells in Nevada. That project began sending carbon-free electricity onto the Nevada grid in November to power data centers there.
The Cape Station project, about 200 miles south of Salt Lake City, is expected to start delivering electricity to California as early as 2026.
The company is drilling up to 125 wells in southwest Utah. Fervo is pioneering horizontal drilling in geothermal reservoirs. It signed the world's first corporate agreement with Google in 2021 to develop new geothermal power and drilled three wells in Nevada. That project began sending carbon-free electricity onto the Nevada grid in November to power data centers there.
The Cape Station project, about 200 miles south of Salt Lake City, is expected to start delivering electricity to California as early as 2026.
Sackett v. EPA: Redefining ‘Waters of the United States’
The Federal Clean Water Protection Act — commonly known as the Clean Water Act —is the central federal law prohibiting discharge of pollutants into the “waters of the United States.” Within the statute, the Clean Water Act defines navigable waters to encompass “the waters of the United States, including the territorial sea.” Traditional navigable waterways—think of the Snake or ColumbiaRiver—are clearly waters of the United States and enjoy Clean Water Act protections. That has never been questioned. It is far more difficult—and controversial—to determine the scope of the Clean Water Act’s authority as applied to wetlands and other non-navigable waterways. This is particularly true for wetlands that are physically removed from traditional navigable waterways.
Since the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, environmentalists, executive branch officials, and private property owners alike have struggled to define what, exactly “waters of the United States” means. So, too, has the Supreme Court, which seems to revisit issue every 10 or 15 years. Enter Sackett, which began 20 years ago when Michael and Chantell Sackett bought property near Priest Lake, Idaho, and began to fill in part of their lot. EPA viewed this part of the Sackett property as wetlands and covered as “water of the United States.” EPA notified the Sacketts that filling in their private property required a dredge and fill permit under the Clean Water Act. The Sacketts sued the EPA in 2008. The case weaved its way through the federal court system before landing at the Supreme Court this past term. While all nine justices agreed that the Sackett’s property did not qualify for protection under the Clean Water Act, Justice Alito was able to garner five votes in adopting a new “waters of the United States” test. Specifically, Justice Alito adopted the more restrictive Scalia test in Rapanos—that a wetland must have a continuous surface connection to relatively permanent body of water.
Following Sackett, the EPA and state environmental agencies with federal permitting authority will no longer have Clean Water Act jurisdiction over a massive swath of wetlands. By one estimate, as many as half of the 118 million acres of wetlands are no longer protected by the Clean Water Act following this ruling. This has implications for the federal government’s ability to control pollution and flooding—the latter of growing concern due to climate-related extreme weather. Look for follow-on rulemaking from the Biden Administration, which must comply with the test for what constitutes a “Water of the United States.” (source: https://law.emory.edu/news-and-events/releases/2023/07/nevitt-scotus-sackett-v-epa-redefining-waters-of-the-united-states.html)
Since the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, environmentalists, executive branch officials, and private property owners alike have struggled to define what, exactly “waters of the United States” means. So, too, has the Supreme Court, which seems to revisit issue every 10 or 15 years. Enter Sackett, which began 20 years ago when Michael and Chantell Sackett bought property near Priest Lake, Idaho, and began to fill in part of their lot. EPA viewed this part of the Sackett property as wetlands and covered as “water of the United States.” EPA notified the Sacketts that filling in their private property required a dredge and fill permit under the Clean Water Act. The Sacketts sued the EPA in 2008. The case weaved its way through the federal court system before landing at the Supreme Court this past term. While all nine justices agreed that the Sackett’s property did not qualify for protection under the Clean Water Act, Justice Alito was able to garner five votes in adopting a new “waters of the United States” test. Specifically, Justice Alito adopted the more restrictive Scalia test in Rapanos—that a wetland must have a continuous surface connection to relatively permanent body of water.
Following Sackett, the EPA and state environmental agencies with federal permitting authority will no longer have Clean Water Act jurisdiction over a massive swath of wetlands. By one estimate, as many as half of the 118 million acres of wetlands are no longer protected by the Clean Water Act following this ruling. This has implications for the federal government’s ability to control pollution and flooding—the latter of growing concern due to climate-related extreme weather. Look for follow-on rulemaking from the Biden Administration, which must comply with the test for what constitutes a “Water of the United States.” (source: https://law.emory.edu/news-and-events/releases/2023/07/nevitt-scotus-sackett-v-epa-redefining-waters-of-the-united-states.html)
An Editorial Comment:
The above illustrations and narratives are intended to represent a collage of examples showing the rapid intrusion of federal agency laws and regulations being imposed on American citizens today. Because of the perceived need for green energy in the future, long established laws and regulations are being tossed aside, treating our natural resouces like rag dolls.
With the anticipation of a new administration in the near future, many of these haphazard activities by the Biden administration will be reversed soon after the new administration takes office, but many projects, including the Lava Ridge Wind Project will begin development at the serious harm of the people of Idaho.
The Idaho Attorney General must act quickly to stop Lava Ridge, using injunctive relief to halt what work appears to have started on the Snake River Plain.
More investigation is required to accurately record the extent and future intent of the developer, and this website is intended for that purpose.
If you have reviewed the foregoing articles, you should have some thoughts on the issue at hand, namely the Lava Ridge Wind Project. I guess no-one would want 200 or 400 wind turbines spinning away at almost 750 feet above the ground. Despite the fact it woould be an eyesore, there are a mulitude of legitimate reasons why the people of Idaho do not want this in their backyard.
But projects like this have their place, and may be a real bonus for green energy, especially if placed where they would do the most good for wind energy.
In Milford, Utah, just a stone's throw from Twin Falls, Idaho, there is such a location. It is called a utopia for the area's largest population of..... pigs! The following portion of an article appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune on November 21, 2021....