Transmission Projects update to the Interim Committee on Energy, Environment and Technology, October 21, 2009

Paul Kjellander, Administrator of the Idaho Office of Energy Resources gave an update on transmission projects that cross the state. The Gateway West project by Idaho Power that crosses southern Idaho into Wyoming is the furthest along. The BLM is looking at the Environmental Impact Statement. Another Idaho Power transmission project, the Boardman-Hemingway project, has had some fits and starts but now there is good progress.

Another project has been permitted since 1996. Ellis Power took over the corridor before the internment camp at Minidoka became a National Historic Site. Ellis Power looked for an alternate route around the camp but there are efforts to add more land to the site. Objections to the route based on viewshed have been raised. The issue seems to be a way to stop the transmission line because the “viewshed” already includes a K-V line and distribution lines. It does, however, appear that there has been positive movement lately.

The Forest Service, BLM and the National Park Service have different approaches when it comes to transmission lines. Kjellander noted a need for a more unified and streamlined process for the utilities, stressing that transmission is vital to development of renewable energy.

With regard to transmission project, Kjellander noted that “bugs and bunnies, varmints and vermin" as protected by the ESA will be key issues.

He also noted that FERC backup authority is included in the Waxman-Markey bill but would only apply to the western states.

Kjellander pointed out that we cannot access a lot of federal land, but federal land will be a key piece in getting transmission built. There has been some work on mapping to guide developers on where the mitigation efforts would be least expensive on federal land. This must be coordinated among the states so that the gradation maps make sense. Right now federal policies are in conflict. The federal government supports renewable energy but has other policies that bar us from access to the land that is needed for transmission.

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