WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of the Interior announced on August 6 that it will move to cancel the approval of the Lava Ridge Wind Project, a large-scale renewable energy development previously greenlit in December 2024 under the Biden administration.

The project, proposed for southern Idaho, would have installed up to 231 wind turbines across approximately 57,447 acres near Jerome. It faced significant opposition from state and local officials, community groups, and Idaho’s congressional delegation, who cited concerns about land use, consultation processes, and the project’s potential impact on rural communities.

Following a review initiated under a directive from President Donald Trump, the Department of the Interior identified legal and procedural issues in the previous administration’s approval of the project. Officials stated that statutory criteria were not adequately considered during the original decision-making process.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated the reversal aligns with the administration’s broader review of wind energy permitting practices, emphasizing a shift in focus toward energy policies that prioritize reliability and local input.

Idaho Governor Brad Little and other state leaders had previously taken formal steps to oppose the project. In January 2025, Governor Little signed an executive order directing state agencies to support federal efforts to reevaluate the proposal. In February, the Idaho House of Representatives passed a unanimous resolution against the project.

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) also issued a statement in support of the decision, calling the original proposal “harmful” and commending the administration for responding to the concerns raised by Idaho residents and leaders.

The Department of the Interior stated it will continue reviewing federal wind energy leasing and permitting practices, with a focus on environmental and community impacts.