The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lava Ridge project is part of a clean energy agenda between government and corporate partnerships that will degrade Idaho land. Idaho is caught up in this agenda through LS Power which plans to bring wind turbines to the Magic Valley. When Magic Valley Energy (MVE) is mentioned, it is really LS Power talking, MVE is just its front name.
Several impact areas are addressed with this project, but there are two documents on the grazing issue: the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), Livestock Grazing, Section 3.9 (page 3-273), and the Draft Appendix S: Grazing Coordination Plan (GCP) that will be covered in Part 2. Part 1 will look first at the DEIS analysis in Section 9, page 3-273, where it was determined that the impacts on livestock management would occur during "construction through decommissioning (34 years) plus time for livestock forage to reestablish after final reclamation (estimated to be up to 5 years...)." Thirty-nine years of disruption to the cattle industry over Jerome, Lincoln, and Minidoka Counties, with land destruction taking years to heal. What is the economic impact of that? Page 3-278 states, "future development in the analysis area is likely to include construction of the SWIP-North transmission line and construction of the Gateway West transmission line...These projects would add more roads, fences, transmission lines, and human activity to the analysis area. The Invenergy Gem Vale solar facility would be just north of the Midpoint Substation on approximately 3,500 acres. Two Longroad Energy solar facilities would cover 3,200 acres each just east of U.S. 93 and south of (connecting to) the Midpoint Substation. All the solar facilities would have fencing surrounding the facilities...These trends and activities could cause changes in forage conditions, altering the forage availability for livestock grazing and altering existing range improvements." This would be in addition to the proposed Salmon Falls Wind Project and Taurus Wind Project. So the BLM is letting it be known that there is clear intent for future projects that would irretrievably affect not only the cattle industry, but ravage the Idaho landscape. In addition, it will take away multiple use that is required by law. When does the BLM plan to engage with ranchers, or even citizens, before they proceed with these future projects? On page 3-273 it states grazing permits would not be modified during this analysis, "If part of the action alternatives would require modifications to grazing permits, this would be addressed in a subsequent NEPA analysis and permit actions." That is illogical as those permits involve allotments and AUMs, and essentially the current DEIS proposes modifications to grazing permits in this project. Allotments are parcels of land in grazing permits, and AUM stands for Animal Unit Months, the term used to describe "amount of forage needed by an “animal unit” (AU) grazing for one month." Is the BLM and MVE saying in the NEPA analysis that grazing permits are under threat of permanent modification? Unacceptable because federal law protects grazing permits and rights. 43 USC 315b states holders of grazing permits "are entitled to participate in the use of the range". MVE is suggesting that those entitlements granted in permits can be altered or removed, and as will be seen, are being modified, which appears to be violating this law. Are MVE and the BLM also implying that future permit renewals and new permits will not be granted? 43 US Code 315o-1 outlines the requirement for an "advisory board of local stockmen in each such district" and offer advice on "any other matters affecting the administration of this subchapter within the district." Both BLM and MVE have a clear obligation to engage these local advisory boards if they exist, and ranchers, on any projects, current or future, and the impact it will have on grazing districts and permits. A few select individuals were placed on a subcommittee by the BLM to accomplish this task and who have recommended denial of this project. Federal law, 43 USC 315b, clearly states that "grazing privileges recognized and acknowledged shall be adequately safeguarded". In the DEIS, the safeguarding of these grazing privileges appears to be compromised. Fishing and hunting rights on grazing land will also be impacted as stated under the FAQ "Can we still recreate and hunt in those areas?" The answer, "Public lands will remain open for recreation and hunting after construction is complete". Does that include during decommissioning? By law, these rights cannot be interfered with. On page 3-285 it reiterates, "An irretrievable commitment of grazing resources and effects to the local grazing economy would occur over the 34-year life of the project, plus time for livestock forage to reestablish after final reclamation (estimated to be up to 5 years). Grazing permittees would experience both temporary...and long-term...AUM reductions." "BLM grazing allotments would be subject to long-term reductions in allotment acreage...some areas could remain permanently unavailable". This is a direct threat to the cattle industry in Magic Valley. It is no wonder since the cattle industry is already under attack, one reason being climate change. Maybe ranchers should just put masks on their cattle. Under the Taylor Grazing Act (TGA), MVE does not have the authority to reduce allotment acreage for its project, whether temporary or permanent. The TGA establishes "grazing districts", permits to improve rangeland conditions, and provides that grazing land will be protected and improved. There is nothing in the DEIS that shows protection of grazing lands, or improvement. TGA lands cannot be phased out of livestock grazing by reducing AUMs, that authority falls under the purview of the TGA law. Is the BLM in agreement with these reductions? Page 3-277 in the DEIS states, "The project would intersect up to nine BLM public land grazing allotments depending on the action alternative." Intersecting these allotments means the cattle will be cut off from grazing and water in the allotment. Permits, allotments, and AMUs are written into federal law for protection. Does this violate the following laws? 43 CFR § 4130.2(e)(1) - "The lands for which the permit or lease is issued remain available for domestic livestock grazing"; clearly the land will not be available for grazing in this project. 43 CFR § 4130.3-2(f) - "Provision for livestock grazing temporarily to be delayed" can be done for various reasons but wind projects are not listed as a reason, and 39 years isn't really temporary. 43 USC 315b - "grazing privileges recognized and acknowledged shall be adequately safeguarded". Grazing privileges that are part of permits are not being safeguarded in this proposed project. Reduction of allotments and AMUs prevent the full attainment of grazing privileges. 43 U.S. Code § 315a - The Secretary of Interior shall "preserve the land and its resources from destruction or unnecessary injury, to provide for the orderly use". Is the Lava Ridge project causing destruction and unnecessary injury? The Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 (43 U.S.C. 1901(b)(2)) will "manage, maintain and improve the condition of the public rangelands so that they become as productive as feasible for all rangeland values in accordance with management objectives and the land use planning process established pursuant to section 1712 of this title." Were ranchers given "adequate notice and opportunity to comment upon and participate in the formulation of plans and programs relating to the management of the public lands" they use for grazing (f)? Or was a consulting firm paid by MVE for the formulation of a plan? MVE was incorporated in 2019. Were ranchers notified then about the future threats to their grazing rights with the rangeland being degraded? This project does not improve any rangeland it impacts. 40 CFR 1508.27(b)(7) "Significance cannot be avoided by terming an action temporary or by breaking it down into small component parts." With the ongoing construction and removal of temporary fencing, creating smaller areas of disruption one at a time, the overall significant impact of these mitigation measures cannot be lessened. The burden is on BLM to demonstrate what allows them to violate these laws, and should be challenged on these potential violations. There should be no compromises between MVE and the ranchers on these issues. Even more stunning, why did the BLM even let this impact on grazing rights get so far? To listen to the BLM Resource Advisory Council Subcommittee comments on the grazing impacts go to the 1'43" mark in this video. The BLM is violating other federal laws that mandate Coordination, and are circumventing these laws by placing county commissioners and some ranchers on a subcommittee when it should be initiating Coordination. But the BLM knows this and instead are distracting from the law by concocting an appearance of collaborating with local governments. Coordination is not consulting or collaborating, and will be covered further in Part 2. Part 2 will scrutinize the Grazing Coordination Plan for its possible violations of federal law on grazing rights, which is not the same as Coordination mentioned above. Share this information with cattle ranchers for their thoughts. Here is the link to give comments, just press the green "Participate Now" button on the left, or email [email protected] by April 20,2023. Demand that the BLM select Alternative A, No Action (page 2-1). Stand with the ranchers in Magic Valley and do it for all of Idaho.
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Idaho has a crisis brewing in the Magic Valley area and every Idahoan in the state needs to pay attention. Lava Ridge is a proposed project on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land that would build up to 400 wind turbines, 7 substations, 248 miles of collector lines, 19 miles of transmission lines, 486 miles of new roads, and several other land damaging installations. The turbines may have a maximum height of 740 feet. This will eventually expand to include the Salmon Falls Wind Project and the Taurus Wind Turbine Project. This is long but it goes deep.
All of these projects are for "energy in the west", meaning any state has access to the energy that is produced. There is no benefit to Idaho with this project and it is critical that all Idahoans boot it out. In 2017, the federal government removed over 10 million acres of Sage Grouse habitat protections for energy development. It is ironic that, with others, Governor Little expressed concerns about this project when he was the one who rearranged those sage grouse protections in 2022 so the land could be used for energy projects, including Lava Ridge. It is also interesting that some LS Power "individual" donated money to Rep. Simpson in 2022. The BLM Idaho Resource Advisory Council, in 2021, created a subcommittee with several interests represented, "to compile information and conduct research regarding the proposed Lava Ridge Wind Project" for recommendations to the Council on the project, its last meeting being held March 9, 2023. The BLM completed its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in January, 2023, the comment period being extended to April 20. Information on how to comment can be found here or here. All DEIS documents can be found here. Magic Valley Energy (MVE) was incorporated as a Foreign Limited Liability Company in 2019. The last filed annual report in 2022 indicates it was signed by Paul Thessen, President, LS Power Development. Luke Papez, who introduced the project under the guise of MVE, is really the Project Manager for LS Power. In essence, MVE is really just a front name for what is actually LS Power, not an affiliate as stated on its website. MVE's Development Plan doesn't include the damage it will bring to the Magic Valley area or the disruption it will cause. In its "Purpose and Need" statement, this project will "have the ability to serve multiple power markets in the western United States, including those accessible through use of the Southwest Intertie Project transmission corridor" that runs through Nevada, part of the financing program Transmission Infrastructure Program (TIP). This is MVE's insulting response to the Idaho Delegation and Local Legislator’s Letter Regarding the Lava Ridge Wind Project, and to the Twin Falls County Commissioner's resolution. MVE also has a blog raving about the positives of what they are doing. The plan suggests "The need for the Project arises from regulatory, utility, and consumer driven objectives to incorporate increasing amounts of renewable/carbon free energy sources into energy supply portfolios." It lists the states with those needs as Idaho, Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Montana, New Mexico, and the City of Los Angeles. This is not the full truth. For one, it is not consumer driven by Idahoans. LS Power, a multibillion dollar multinational corporation, was founded by Mikhail (Mike) Segal in 1990. He began his career by receiving his education at the Kharkiv Polytech Institute in Ukraine, then immigrating to the U.S. from the former Soviet Union in 1978, having obtained his U.S. citizenship somewhere along the way. His work history includes working for the Department of Energy (DOE) in the former Soviet Union; serving on the Center on Global Energy Policy Advisory Board, and holding other positions in companies such as Dynegy, among others. Mr. Segal serves as the Chairman of LS Power, with his son, Paul Segal, serving as its CEO. LS Power "is a development, investment and operating company focused on the power and energy infrastructure sector." In more simple terms, it is a private company that invests, develops, and operates power generation and electric transmission infrastructure in the United States. Paul Segal is an Advisory Board member of the Institute for Policy Integrity, "a non-partisan think tank dedicated to improving the quality of governmental decisionmaking", primarily focusing on climate and energy policy. Its collaborators are environmental groups. In 2019, he was selected to serve as an Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) Chair. Apparently, LS Power made much of its fortune on gas powered plants, but since 2020 its focus has turned to "renewable" energy. This corporation became so wealthy, it needs no funding from other sources for projects, it funds its own. Mr. Segal does have moments of reality, so he continues to invest in natural gas. He understands renewable energy cannot meet energy needs but, "Our fleet is well-positioned to help accelerate the clean energy transition by managing the intermittency of renewables."...and "keeping the lights on when renewable resources are unavailable due to weather conditions or when extreme weather events destabilize the grid," After all, "maintenance of sufficient fossil-fuel infrastructure" is needed "to ensure continued energy security, affordability and reliability," However a buck needs to be made. Paul Segal has a Paul and Jenna Segal Family Foundation. Paul's wife, Jenna Segal, is a Broadway Producer with quite an extensive involvement in several progressive projects and philanthropy, including the establishment of a fund for scholars in Ukraine following the outbreak of war. Along with his father Mike, Paul and his wife have made donations to the same organizations. They have three children and live in New York. They seem like a nice family, but live a life that is a far cry from Magic Valley lifestyles, having no problem coming to Idaho for a profit. Maybe in New York they aren't bothered by a skyline of buildings, lights, and noise, but it isn't wanted in Idaho. As for LS Power, it has really amassed quite a portfolio. Most recently in November, 2022, it was set to complete a deal to buy 42 run-of-river hydro facilities across 11 states, fortunately none in Idaho. This deal adds to its already large portfolio that includes corporations it has bought or formed such as EVgo, Endurant Energy, REV Renewables, Rise Light & Power, CPower Energy Management, and Primary Renewable Fuels, LLC. The corporation has also had its hand in battery projects. All of these LS Power owned outfits have been used to build grids that generate and transmit power across the United States with additional projects in the works. South Korea is helping by investing in this corporation to "accelerate the expansion of REV's portfolio of renewable power and energy storage projects". They know where money can be made. LS Power also uses the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics for its work, which they probably think makes them a responsible corporation. Nothing in that report comes close to recognizing the environmental and social damage they bring with the Lava Ridge project. While it claims to meet the needs of communities, protect the environment, and most laughable, "work with local communities" to bring "sustainable energy" to the area, which nobody asked for in the first place and in which massive local opposition exists, perhaps LS Power and Mr. Segal should rethink what his corporation is really proposing in reality. While Governor Little and Congressional leaders have expressed concern about the project, it is interesting that Rep. Simpson received money from an individual(s) at LS Power in 2022. Apparently, LS Power has ruffled feathers in Idaho before. In 2010 it wanted to erect a a high-transmission line that would have bisected the Minidoka National Historic Site (NHS), but it was successfully lobbied to have it relocated outside of the NHS (pg 10). So LS Power has known about this area for quite some time, and it looks like they have lawyered up for this project already. Power grids built by LS Power are located across the United States, in California (CAISO), Texas, (ERCOT), the midwest (MISO), midwestern to eastern states (PJM), and New York (NYISO). Its utilities include Republic Transmission, SilverRun Electric, Cross Texas Transmission, DesertLink Transmission, and One Nevada. Idaho has three major power grids, will LS Power share its grids with those? It appears in this article Mr. Segal is complaining that regulations prevent him from expanding even further. This corporation trots across the United States and builds "clean" energy projects and grids with the help of the White House. With all of its wealth why the incentive to continue doing it? Well, maybe because its pockets go just a little deeper, and with those pockets comes more power and control, just part of the global corporate takeover of our world. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is well known for its education and research. One of its initiatives is called MITei, or the MIT Energy Initiative to "transform the world's energy systems" and "develop low- and no-carbon solutions". This is right up the alley of LS Power, so it is a member of the initiative. Among the other corporate MITei members, are World Economic Forum (WEF) members Chevron, Equinor, ExxonMobil, and Shell, and MIT itself, to name just a few. LS Power is sitting right there in the middle along with the many other top dogs. Poppy Allonby, a WEF Young Global Leader, sits on the external advisory board for MITei, works for BlackRock, and is head of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) enablement for T. Rowe Price. Martha Broad, MITei Executive Director, is another female devoted to the WEF. MITei has created its Future Energy Systems Center (FESC), in which LS Power is a member, to "reshape the landscape of energy supply and demand." LS Power is doing its part with building wind power and transmission lines. Since its inception, MITei has been spreading its destructive agenda across the world, these over-educated, pompous elitists who have decided how the masses will obtain energy, regardless of the destruction to the land with turbines, solar panels, and batteries. It does not bother these elitists to tear up land, disrupt people's lives, or dictate how others should live, none of it is in their vocabulary. They really believe they know best. There is no greater population who loves their land more than Idahoans, and what these people are doing is irresponsible and unacceptable. But it doesn't stop there. WEF partners with the International Energy Agency (IEA), in which the United States participates, and whose goal is to work "with governments and industry to shape a secure and sustainable energy future for all." This group also works to create "sustainable energy systems". It is all part of the WEF energy transition plan to implement Sustainable Development Goal #7.A, "promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology", and #7.B, "expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all". Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of WEF, talks about this energy transition at the 3:25 mark. Paul Segal can see this future, the wealth to be made, and probably why he has a portfolio that includes most of these systems. Idaho is an easy target for him to make his money. How much money does one have to make before it is enough? These projects will have a negative impact on the area, some of which may be long term. This claim for clean energy comes with its own set of negative aspects as well such as killing birds, and dumping turbine waste. If those who live outside this area think this information isn't relevant to them, think again. With Idaho's vast uninhabited, and federally owned land, the government and corporations have already studied where they can lay their projects down, the agenda is clean energy and no area in Idaho is safe from its intrusion. More information on this project can be found in an article written by the Magic Valley Liberty Alliance (MVLA) including resources to express opposition to these projects. There is also a Facebook page, Stop Lava Ridge, and website. Capital Clarity gave a presentation on this project. This link has information on FAQs with contacts for other questions, and on page 8 the best way in which to provide a comment. This February 24, 2023 video by the BLM provides an explanation of the DEIS, including the alternatives. At the 1:2:04 mark, it was stated that energy produced by Lava Ridge would be traded to purchasers on western markets, depending on where the transmission lines are capable of sending it. Purchasers could obtain a power purchase agreement that would require an approved authorization, which needs to be completed prior to the BLM giving a notice to proceed on the project. Out of state money will be put into a system that damages Idaho land and livelihoods. This transformation to clean energy is an agenda that has been set by the government in partnership with global corporations, who are marching over Idaho with lofty ideas on how they think we should be living, with no representation by citizens. It is the Great Reset being implemented in real time. The time to become engaged is now. If LS Power gets their foot in the door there will be no deterrent to them trying again, or others coming into the state to do the same. Now is the time to say No. Help Magic Valley stop LS Power from ruining the area and our state before April 20. Include comments about scientific studies that show the damage turbines cause to the environment, kill birds, create more waste that is hard to dispose of such as the blades and batteries, and the negative effect they have on the human environment. |
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