Risch Bill to Delay Lava Ridge Passes Energy Committee with Bipartisan Support

Risch bills to enhance cyber security, repair water infrastructure, and enhance aquifer recharge also advance

WASHINGTON - Today, four bills authored by U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) to support Idaho communities passed the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources by voice vote.

Idaho is at the center of all four bills, which would delay the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project, enhance cyber security, expand access to existing aging infrastructure funds, and correct existing law to enable aquifer recharge.

"I appreciate Chairman Joe Manchin, Ranking Member Barrasso, and my colleagues for passing these important bills benefiting the State of Idaho,"said Risch. "Lava Ridge has near-unanimous opposition in Idaho and among the broader Japanese American Community. My bill will stop Lava Ridge from moving forward until a full assessment of its impacts on the Minidoka National Historic Site and other natural and cultural resources can be conducted. While I will continue to fight for a full, point-blank cancellation of Lava Ridge, this is an important step forward."

S. 4936 was introduced by Senator Risch. This bill would prevent the Secretary of the Interior from authorizing the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project until a GAO study is conducted to analyze the project's impact on the Minidoka National Historic Site, a concentration camp where Alaska Natives and Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. S. 4936 has been endorsed by a number of groups and individuals representing survivors, descendants, and allies of Minidoka.

"The Gem State has tremendous natural resources," Risch continued. "These additional pieces of legislation will continue our leadership in cybersecurity, repair critical water infrastructure, and enable aquifer recharge."

S. 914 was introduced by Senator Risch and Senator Manchin (I-W.Va.). TheEnergy Threat Analysis Center Establishment Act would improve information sharing regarding cyber security prevention across America's energy sector in both industry and government.

S. 2160 was introduced by Senator Risch. The Urban Canal Modernization Act would allow the Bureau of Reclamation aging infrastructure funding to help address repairs for urban canals with extraordinary maintenance issues. Many western canals, like the New York Canal in Idaho's Treasure Valley, have gone from being rural to surrounded by urban infrastructure over time.

S. 4999 was introduced by Senator Risch. This bill would correct the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) interpretation of existing law to enable aquifer recharge.

S. 254 was cosponsored by Senator Risch. This bill would empower local economic development by ensuring the majority of annual fees from ski area permitting are retained locally and used to support recreation in nearby national forests.

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