Idaho Public Land for Solar Sites?
By Jordan Breshears
The Idaho Bureau of Land Management has recently hosted an open house to discuss joining the national Western Solar Plan to consider allowing new solar energy sites to be developed on BLM land throughout the region. This open house was held on February 7th, 2024 in Boise, ID and the end result is still yet to be determined. This was the only meeting to be held in the state of Idaho and took place in the metro area of Boise, not the remote towns that would be directly impacted by this change. Surprise, surprise, eh?
Now, solar in and of itself may not be a bad choice for some regions. However, public land use and the direct impact to wildlife habitat is a big deal to us as conservationists. Not to mention the plethora of issues that arise with solar energy in colder climates…but that is a story for another day.
This particular scenario in Idaho needs to be monitored to ensure we don’t see major impacts to critical habitat, winter ranges and migration routes for deer, elk and pronghorn antelope. As one can imagine, the “environmental impact studies” for energy projects tend to be imbalanced and often favor the side of “green energy” over the wildlife in the region, ironic yes, but it’s true.
If you’re curious about how history tends to repeat itself just take a look at the thousands upon thousands of acres used up by wind turbines and the negative impact that has been seen for the wildlife that once called those spaces home. It’s not that an impact study was not or won’t be conducted. It is the fact that important factors often get overlooked in these studies to suit the needs of the green energy push. Since we as hunters are the primary conservationists of this beautiful country. It is imperative that we speak up on these matters.
Idahoans are strongly encouraged to research the Western Solar Plan and speak up! As well as the residents of other states impacted by this plan. You can still voice your opinion, as there are several more open houses throughout the West and they are available to stream online. Additionally public comment will be available online, through mid-April.
What have you seen with energy or other types of public land encroachment? What is good or bad? Feel free to share in the comments.
To read up on the Western Solar Plan follow the link below:
https://blmsolar.anl.gov/solar-peis-2023/
To read up on the press release for the Idaho BLM open house follow this link below:
https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/bureau-land-management-working-update-western-solar-plan/277-63422139-973d-41d3-82ca-54cd30c7fa73
The New Era of Exercise Equipment | Eastmans' Journal Podcast
Bert Sorin and his wonderful wife Lesley are the proud parents of three children. Bert and his family, a family rooted in strength, have been entrenched in the human performance world for as far back as he can remember. Growing up with a barbell in his hand has been pivotal in charting the course of his life and leading him to become a 4-time Division 1 All-American Track and Field (Hammer and 35 lb. Weight Throw), Southeastern Conference Champion, former record holder in Weight Throw, and an Olympic trials athlete. Bert is currently the President and Co-Owner of Sorinex Exercise Equipment, a very successful family run business founded by his father, another big name in the iron game, Richard Sorin. Together they are the inventors of hardware and applications to make people more effective, efficient, and safe on the sports field and the battle field. Although Sorin never served in the arms forces, his gear is changing the game to provide readiness and rebuilding to the veterans prior to, during and after their deployments to far off, hostile lands. Bert’s network of veterans, scientists, coaches and therapists allows for a combination of expertise and support, and has been changing lives on both sides of the table. Bert pushes each day to find the best in people, and to assist in their exploration of their potential and maximize their value to the cause.
