The Courier
NEWS
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
June 19, 2024
Vol 48 Num 25
Idaho Leaders Comment on Lava Ridge Speakers Night at the Gooding Museum
from Governor Brad Little
On Thursday, I joined Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, U.S. Senator Jim Risch, and Congressman Mike Simpson in expressing our opposition to the federal Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) final environmental impact statement regarding the Lava Ridge Wind Project in south-central Idaho. "This is the latest example of the Biden Administration's unsound energy agenda. The BLM is determined to give California electricity from Idaho despite overwhelming opposition from Idahoans and contrary to formal actions by Idaho's county, state, and federal elected officials, including federal legislation and federal law. I do not agree with BLM's conclusion that the effects of this extraordinarily complex proposal are 'not significant.' It may not matter in Washington, D.C., but it matters to those of us who live here," Governor Little said. "Our public lands have long been utilized for multiple uses that meet the needs and fulfill the benefits of Idahoans. Ranching, farming, and recreation are a major part of the Magic Valley's heritage. While domestic energy production is an emerging part of a necessary conversation, the BLM disregarded Idahoans' input on a project that is in our backyard and, instead, favored Californians energy needs. Simply put, California will reap the benefits and Idaho will get all the negative impacts. We will know California is serious about green energy when we see wind turbines in Hollywood's hills," Lt. Governor Bedke said. "The Federal Government should stop ignoring Idahoans on Lava Ridge. Countless Idahoans have spoken out and continue to speak out against the Lava Ridge Wind Project as they know what is best for their land and livelihoods. This decision by the BLM shows the utmost disdain for the people most affected by this obtrusive and unwanted wind project. I will continue to fight with the people of Idaho in opposition to this project," U.S. Senator Crapo said. "Idahoans could not be more clear that they do not support Lava Ridge. Yet, for some reason, the BLM continues to push forward this project that no one in Idaho wants. This is not over—I will continue to fight this unnecessary and ill begotten project," U.S. Senator Risch said. "This final Environment Impact Statement is a slap in the face to Idahoans. Despite widespread opposition at the local, state, and federal levels, the Bureau of Land Management is continuing to recklessly move forward with the Lava Ridge Project. From the start, I have made it clear that I expect the BLM to listen to and incorporate the concerns of those directly affected by the project. I authored language—passed by Congress and signed into law by the President—directing the Department of the Interior to reengage and seek feedback from the stakeholders on alternative plans before moving forward with Lava Ridge. The Department failed to meet the language requirements of that law. The Lava Ridge Project is out-of-touch and has absolutely no place in the Magic Valley. I will continue fighting to ensure that Idahoans' voices are heard," Congressman Simpson said.
Shoshone Ice Caves
Tonight, come to Speakers Night at the Gooding Museum and hear a little history about one of the largest known lava ice caves in the U.S. - Shoshone Ice Caves. In the 1800s, the ice cave was used as a source of ice for the town of Shoshone. In the 1940s, overdevelopment and a poorly placed access tunnel caused almost all of the ice to melt. But then, it was rescued from distruction. Sponsored by the Gooding County Historical Society, Speakers Night will be held Wednesday, June 19th at 7:00 p.m. The Gooding County Historical Society Museum is located behind McDonald’s at 273 Euskadi Lane. Operation Facelift is a regional community project administered by REDS (Rural Economic Development Program) with the goal of revitalizing downtown areas and small businesses throughout rural Southern Idaho. This year they are seeking corporate sponsors to donate to four projects in this area: Wendell - update the welcome sign with led lights for nighttime visabilty; Fairfield - build a fence for the Longhorn Coffee shop; Hagerman - paint a mural on the fire station to honor volunteer firemen and EMS; Gooding - update the little park at the corner of Main Street and 4th Avenue with pavers, benches and new landscaping. Please contact Cheryl for more information cviola@csi.edu REDS also provides resources for small businesses with workshops and information on small business loans. Whether you’re a new business looking for start-up funding, an existing business looking for help with disaster recovery funding, or a community leader looking to make local improvements - finding the right resources for your project is the first step.