Post Falls, Idaho is a city with a long-standing commitment to renewable energy production. Home to the Post Falls hydroelectric project, which has been providing electricity to local industries since 1906, the city was recently inducted into the Hydro Hall of Fame. As interest in renewable energy continues to grow, it is essential to evaluate landscape-scale strategies and identify areas that are more suitable for energy production. This includes assessing the resources available, as well as any potential conflicts with other users of public land.
To this end, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Boise and Twin Falls districts are consulting on several potential renewable energy projects on public lands. The Post Falls hydroelectric power plant is an important source of electricity for mines, mills, factories, cities, businesses and railroads in northern Idaho and eastern Washington. It was constructed by a group of citizens from the Post Falls community in the early 1990s to improve recreational opportunities at the site. Michele Drake is the environmental compliance coordinator for Avista Corporation, which owns the Post Falls plant.
When considering a renewable energy project in Post Falls, applicants should take into account a number of factors. These include the political climate – a liberal renewable energy policy can be difficult to achieve in a conservative political climate – as well as environmental considerations and economic viability. By addressing these factors in their application process, applicants can ensure that their projects are both environmentally sound and economically viable.
