Idaho Council on Industry and Environment

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877037915980614902012-01-09T14:39:39.307-08:00Idaho Council on Industry and EnvironmentBeth Markleynoreply@blogger.comBlogger1161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-14555888309575608492012-01-09T14:09:00.000-08:002012-01-09T14:39:39.338-08:00Excerpts from the State of the State and Budget Address by Governor Butch Otter on Monday, January 9, 2012

The following are excerpts from Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter's State of the State Address….I want to see an Idahothat is more independent, dynamic, diverse and built on a foundation offreedom, personal responsibility and public accountability. I want to see an Idaho focused not on scarcity or what welack, but on a more prosperous and hopeful future for all of us. It’s with that Idahoin

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-78703295061521448352011-12-22T10:10:00.000-08:002011-12-22T10:10:19.873-08:00Federal Regulations: Necessary or Burdensome? Experts weigh in at ICIE's Annual Meeting

At ICIE’s Annual Meeting in November, a panel addressed the issue of federal environmental regulations – are they unduly burdensome, or absolutely necessary? Most speakers, while differing in opinion occasionally, fell somewhere in the middle of these two ends of the spectrum. Jim Werntz, Director of Idaho Office of EPA noted that Republican presidential candidates have gone so far as to

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-54814287967331493872011-11-15T15:08:00.001-08:002011-11-15T15:42:38.420-08:00Idaho Department of Lands decides on rules governing conservation of crude oil and natural Gas in Idaho.

In mid-May, the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission instructed the IdahoDepartment of Lands to start a negotiated rule making to update the existing rules for recovery of natural gas and oil deposits in Idaho. Those rules had been put in place twenty years ago before the current discovery of potentially economic reserves of gas and oil. Industry, environmental groups, county governments,

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-40124297764881893572011-11-02T16:46:00.000-07:002011-11-06T13:33:56.926-08:00Committee takes comment on Idaho's Energy Plan

On Wednesday, consumer associations, conservation organizations and private individuals gathered to offer testimony to the legislative interim committee on Energy, Environment and Technology on the draft 2012 energy plan.The Reality of Renewable Energy CreditsAnnie Black, a Boise resident and former Idaho Power employee and regulatory consultant offered testimony on renewable energy credits (

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-17933702225209224582011-10-09T19:27:00.002-07:002011-10-09T20:56:24.386-07:00Energy Integrity Projects challenges validity of wind as a viable energy source

A group representing ratepayers recently presented to the Interim Committee on Energy, Environment and Technology. Representatives of the Energy Integrity Project say a great deal of the discussion on wind as an energy source has been done without the input of stakeholders who represent the ratepayers. The EIP believes that the Idaho Legislature is working with incorrect information when it comes

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-42898520252303836802011-10-09T19:25:00.000-07:002011-10-09T19:26:32.482-07:00Idaho Petroleum Council Update - Suzanne Budge and Mike Christian

Idaho Petroleum Council Update - Suzanne Budge and Mike ChristianPUPRA PresentationPacific Northwest Power and Conservation Council - Jim YostEnergy Integrity Project

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-20879408609915539122011-10-09T19:16:00.001-07:002011-10-13T08:29:39.415-07:00Update on Idaho’s Energy Plan

The Interim Energy, Environment and Technology Committee has enlisted the help of the Governor’s Office of Energy Resources, and specifically the Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance to assist with revising the 2007 Idaho Energy Plan to recommend changes to bring it current with present day energy issues.The Plan is a comprehensive investigation of all of Idaho’s energy systems, with recommendations

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-39854028662441195802011-07-13T09:10:00.000-07:002011-07-18T11:38:52.635-07:00Members of newly formed Idaho Petroleum Council present to interim Energy, Environment and Technology Committee

Council members include representatives from oil and gas companies, Bridge Energy and others who cite Idaho, with its geographic landscape, as a state with potential to be an important part of solving our nation's energy challenges.Members noted that concerns about aquifer contamination don’t take into consideration the fact the seismic data that show the shallowest gas reservoir is at 1650 feet.

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-46239741196686506282011-07-13T08:09:00.000-07:002011-07-18T11:29:52.088-07:00Idaho fracturing process proposed on a smaller scale than North Eastern states

In two fields near Payette and New Plymouth, a total of seven gas-producing wells can access reservoirs of natural gas in deposits of sandstone between layers of impermeable shale. The reservoirs are between 2,000 and 7,000 feet below the surface and accessible, industry experts say, through a reduced scale fracturing process. The interim legislative Energy, Environment and Technology Committee

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-25462268315917826592011-07-13T07:12:00.000-07:002011-07-18T11:25:18.657-07:00Wind, Water and the Problem with Too Much Energy

Bonneville Power Administration's John Williams briefed the Energy, Environment and Technology interim legislative committee last week on the challenges presented by over generation caused by high water and wind energy integration.High water years such as this one create a need for environmental redispatch, or the release of excess energy in a way that is sensitive to environmental objectives.

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-14569761890246132092011-05-09T12:40:00.000-07:002011-05-09T14:07:12.345-07:00Representative chastises EPA for lack of action to protect salmon, but organization questions the data behind the threat

Representative chastises EPA for lack of action to protect salmon, but organization questions the data behind the threatPresident Obama has issued an executive order for a retrospective review of existing regulations (including existing environmental regulations) that are unduly burdensome to industry. Section 5 of the order also says that “each agency shall ensure the objectivity of any

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-18351556365915013692011-05-09T12:38:00.000-07:002011-05-09T12:40:17.474-07:00Fires in beetle-killed timber get scrutiny

An Associated Press article in Thursday’s Idaho Statesman said that new studies presented at a Helena, Montana, seminar are getting close to leading to great understanding of the connection between mountain beetle epidemics and wildfires in the West. A study by a Forest Service ecologist shows for the first time that beetle-killed trees contain 10 times less moisture and a different chemical

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-71760567792329127542011-04-28T13:59:00.000-07:002011-04-28T14:53:42.338-07:00Idaho's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission approves temporary rule on fracturing

Some of us discovered that Idaho has an Oil and Gas Conservation Commission during an information hearing on natural gas drilling in Payette County before the Idaho House Environment, Energy & Technology Committee during the legislative session.Idaho Land Board members, including the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Controller and Superintendent of Public Instruction also

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-80572947904433995492011-04-08T16:03:00.000-07:002011-04-10T10:12:20.501-07:002011 Legislative Wrap Up

Idaho’s legislators called it quits Thursday with a couple of startling results.After killing a wind farm moratorium bill in committee and negotiating a compromise on the extension of the sales tax rebate for alternative energy in the final days, the House passed two bills on April 5 in favor of wind projects.H347 would extend the rebate for those projects already in the works to December 31st.

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-64343793222897045732011-04-06T14:10:00.001-07:002011-04-07T13:57:36.192-07:00Federal agency has some 'splaining to do, lawmaker says

The 2011 state legislative session, in which almost every conversation was dominated by the subject of budget shortfalls, wrapped up today. 43 other states and the District of Columbia face similar difficulties, for a combined shortfall of $112 billion.The federal budget for the fiscal year starting October 1, 2011 includes a $1.5 trillion deficit. Congress has not even finished the budget for

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-45696658023231296162011-03-25T14:51:00.000-07:002011-03-27T11:05:33.734-07:00Right to Farm bill seeks to counter conflicts arising from urbanization in rural areas

The Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee heard testimony on H210, the Right to Farm bill on Tuesday, March 22. Roger Batt, representing several agricultural groups, opened with testimony on the importance of agriculture to the state. For every dollar that is generated by agriculture, $6 circulates through the community. Twenty percent of Idaho’s total workforce is related to agriculture.Batt

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-20734107760356570322011-03-25T14:49:00.000-07:002011-03-27T11:08:53.615-07:00Conservation Fund Raises Ire of Lawmakers

El Paso Western Pipeline Group president Jim Cleary presented to a joint session of the Senate Resources and Environment and House Resources and Conservation committees this week on a multi-million dollar conservation fund established to mitigate environmental impacts from the Ruby Pipeline. The project is a $3.5 billion, 680-mile buried pipeline that will conduct natural gas through Wyoming,

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-76613956855709142492011-03-19T10:01:00.000-07:002011-03-20T14:41:55.324-07:00Irrigation bills come before Senate committee

Wednesday this week, the Senate Resources & Environment Committee examined several pieces of legislation dealing with irrigation issues. H136 made changes to existing processes in order to increase efficiency for the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) and the irrigation districts. The bill proposed that when a water master is re-appointed in consecutive years, he does not have to re-take

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-63628305212556361732011-03-19T09:58:00.000-07:002011-03-19T09:59:46.654-07:00Ag Affairs addresses "rock snot" and other invasive species

Senator Corder presented SCR101 to the House Committee on Agricultural affairs. The resolution highlights the threat of aquatic nuisance species to Idaho’s lakes and streams. Senator Corder specifically pointed out the threat of an invasive algae, Didymo, otherwise known as “rock snot,” which has decimated prized salmon spawning areas in New Zealand, and has recently been found in Priest River,

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-43211944225984657912011-03-18T14:57:00.001-07:002011-03-18T15:59:35.091-07:00House Ag looks at privacy for dairy farmers

The House Agriculture Affairs Committee on Thursday passed HB269, which will provide thesame private information protection to dairies nutrient management programs that the beef industry has been granted. Representative Boyle noted that such information may have very little to do with a violation of rule or law, but may contain proprietary information.Testifying on behalf of the bill were Roger

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-38222511404927692602011-03-18T13:57:00.000-07:002011-03-18T14:35:03.978-07:00House Energy, Environment and Technology looks at the impacts of tax incentives for wind projects

The impact of Idaho tax incentives for renewable energy projects was the focus of presentations to the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee this week.A study from the Boise State University Center for Business and Economic Research was commissioned by a consortium of alternative energy producers. Another presentation from John Church of Idaho Economics followed, focusing on Exergy

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-40655175543906478842011-02-24T13:25:00.000-08:002011-02-25T14:39:36.189-08:00ICIE Workshop hones in on bull trout critical habitat rule

The latest of ICIE’s annual “Gold Room Workshop,” held earlier this month, focused on bull trout, nearly 20 years after the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service was petitioned to list the species.Brian Kelly and Ted Koch of the US Fish and Wildlife Service joined Nate Fisher of the Idaho Office of Species Conservation and Norm Semanko of the Idaho Water Users Association in providing historical context

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-78669138077390525552011-02-18T15:07:00.000-08:002011-02-20T12:54:58.909-08:00Centra Consulting and Bridge Energy present on oil and gas drilling in Payette County

On Monday, February 14, in a presentation for the Senate Resources & Environment Committee, Steve West of Centra Consulting introduced a geophysicist with Bridge Energy who talked about developing the first natural gas field in Idaho—in Payette County. They hope to get wells into production and also construct a pipeline.The organization has drilled 11 wells. Four of which are unproductive,

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-44392129828829872182011-02-18T12:33:00.000-08:002011-02-20T13:10:10.804-08:00Changes to the anti-deg rule raise concerns about the public process among HEET committee democrats

In January, the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee was given a heads up from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that a rule change was coming regarding water quality anti-degradation. The rule, and pending legislation would together address requirements of the Clean Water Act that Idaho have an anti-degradation implementation plan as well as the water quality

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-45151588335260386022011-02-11T12:55:00.001-08:002011-02-11T14:01:30.660-08:00House committee hosts energy efficiency symposium

Representative Wendy Jaquet organized an energy conservation symposium to present to the House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee this week, with speakers presenting on energy conservation efforts.Rocky Mountain Power, which supplies power to customers in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho focuses on energy efficiency and peak reduction programs, including significant outreach to residential

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-72709538448660247592011-02-11T12:37:00.001-08:002011-02-11T13:58:16.245-08:00House committee considers bill on hazardous waste designation

US Ecology, a radioactive waste treatment site outside of Grandview, presented a report to the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee this week. The Grandview site is one of five facilities the company operates in North America, employing more than 100 Idahoans.President Jim Baumgardner noted that the sites' revenue has been impacted by the slowing economy, and short term

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-55704985182370397342011-02-11T12:02:00.000-08:002011-02-11T13:51:35.411-08:00Joint Committee hears testimony on ATV-riding hunters bills

Senator Tim Corder presented Senate Bills 1015 and 1016 to a joint session of the House and Senate Resources and Conservation Committees Monday. The bills would eliminate what he calls a basic inequity between hunters and the classes of vehicles they ride. The purpose of the joint session was to hear testimony on the bills, and no vote was taken.The legislation targets rules that allow Fish and

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-23255760129740897782011-02-04T08:09:00.001-08:002011-02-04T08:11:59.440-08:00Wolves, Sage Grouse and Bull Trout the Topics of OSC Update

Administrator Nate Fisher of the Governor’s Office of Species Conservation (OSC) presented an update to the Senate Resources & Environment committee on Monday. Some of the functions of OSC include coordinating federal ESA policies with state agencies; soliciting, providing and delegating funding for ESA programs; and serving as the “the voice” for Idaho on ESA policy and facilitating

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-9503471032165931822011-02-04T08:07:00.001-08:002011-02-04T08:49:23.891-08:00INL presents on the state of cleanup efforts

A representative from INL presented an update on the state of the site cleanup efforts to the Environment, Energy and Technology Committee this week.Exhumation and disposal of transuranic waste on site – including waste from the historically significant Pit 9 facility – has been the focus of this effort, with completion targeted by 2012. To date, INL is on schedule to meet all the parameters of

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-22140060062898229262011-02-04T08:05:00.000-08:002011-02-04T08:06:57.438-08:00Underground Storage Tank Fees Addressed

Idaho DEQ representatives presented a bill related to fee assessment on underground storage tanks to the committee.In 2005, a bill was passed including the Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act, and the EPA tasked the DEQ to promulgate rules related to the act. The 2008 legislature approved negotiated rules, and sent a draft to the EPA to assume program primacy. As the federal maximum penalties

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-35883113357285901162011-02-04T07:53:00.000-08:002011-02-04T08:56:02.200-08:00Crop residue burning bill addresses small scale projects

DEQ representatives presented an amendment to crop residue burning legislation passed in 2008. In 2007, crop residue burning was prohibited. Temporary rules were approved in spring of 2008, with the practice of crop residue burning reinitiated that fall.Last year the DEQ was approached by farmers asking for legislation that addresses propane burning of crops on a small scale. This is a

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-91264425233498640782011-01-28T13:41:00.000-08:002011-01-28T13:43:46.001-08:00Proposed Mercury Rule generates far less committee discussion in the Senate than the House

A proposed DEQ rule requiring an analysis of proposed construction of new or modification of existing mercury emissions of greater than 25 lbs per year generated far less discussion in the Senate Resources and Conservation committee this week than it did in the House committee last week. Senator Lodge asked for a recap of the questions or problems that came up in the House committee. DEQ

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-8662244782605590022011-01-28T13:40:00.000-08:002011-01-30T16:20:39.615-08:00Oversized Shipments

On Tuesday, January 25th, Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry (IACI) announced the result of a survey it commissioned on behalf of the Drive Our Economy Coalition. The survey revealed that support for plans to allow oversized truck shipments along U.S. Highway 12 in Clearwater, Idaho, Lewis and Nez Perce counties was at 67% while 30% of those questioned opposed the shipments. Statewide 52%

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-59376348950245150922011-01-28T13:33:00.001-08:002011-01-30T16:24:36.398-08:00Anti-degradation rule considered by House Committee

Last week, the DEQ presented the draft rule for an anti-degradation implementation plan to the Senate Resources and Conservation Committee. This week, it was the House Committee on Energy, Environment and Technology’s turn to hear from the DEQ on developing an anti-degradation implementation plan. Idaho has water quality standards which were developed in the late 1980s but this policy did not

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-47501959096541934512011-01-22T13:28:00.000-08:002011-01-24T07:54:25.341-08:00Senate Resources and Environment Committee bones up on anti-degradation

DEQ representatives presented three rules regarding anti-degradation this week to the Senate Resources and Environment committee.The first of the proposed rules was generated as a result of a lawsuit over the inadequacy of Idaho lack of a water degradation plan, a suit which has since been held, pending legislative action.Anti-degradation implementation plans and policies are a requirement of the

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-84216644264999880992011-01-22T13:25:00.000-08:002011-01-23T20:23:48.007-08:00Proposed Mercury Rule generates lengthy discussion in House committee

Chairman Raybould engaged the full House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee in negotiated rulemaking this week, noting it would be more efficient than breaking into subcommittees. The first of eight proposed DEQ rules alone generated enough interest for a 90-minute question and answer session.This rule would require an analysis of proposed construction of new or modification of existing

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-20329170822254474882011-01-22T13:22:00.000-08:002011-01-22T13:46:27.775-08:00Announcing ICIE's 2011 "Gold Room" Workshop: Bull Trout - 20 years later

A presentation to a joint meeting of the Idaho House of Representatives Committee on Resources and Conservation and the Idaho Senate Committee on Resources and the EnvironmentWednesday, February 9, 2011, 1:30 pmSenate and House Auditorium (WW02), Idaho Statehouse, BoiseIn 1992, The Friends of the Wild Swan, the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and the Swan View Coalition petitioned the US Fish and

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-46912142766079613412011-01-11T09:48:00.001-08:002011-01-11T09:52:12.893-08:00Governor emphasizes personal responsibility, projects conservative growth rate in State of the State

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter delivered his 5th State of the State address yesterday, citing the coming legislative session as one that is likely to be thankless, within which “there will be no moral victories.” In some cases, he said, policy decisions will be made based upon on the “least bad decision.”At the same time, the Governor expressed confidence that Idaho will emerge from the recession “

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-73704562827985530982010-12-20T14:38:00.000-08:002010-12-21T10:12:27.277-08:00Federalism & Water: State Primacy in the Balance - ICIE’s Annual Meeting Program

ICIE’s Annual Membership Meeting program in November examined three issues which we have been following for years. The issues of the salmon Biological Opinion (BiOp) and bull trout critical habitat are related to the Endangered Species Act. The NPDES General Permit relates to the Clean Water Act. What they all have in common is a history of third party lawsuits, followed by revised consultations

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-26871529484951499652010-08-27T11:26:00.000-07:002010-08-27T11:51:06.769-07:00Practical Paths 2010: Understanding the Science and Politics of Climate Change

When: Tuesday, September 28 and Wednesday, September 29, 2010, 9 am to 5 pmWhere: Holiday Inn, BoiseCost: $65 for full day registration, $35 for either Tuesday or Wednesday, by 9/23/10When it comes to the issue of catastrophic anthropogenic climate change, some assert that there is consensus among scientists and the debate is over. Others disagree. Regardless of which side of the debate one is on

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-6840250456510570192010-06-28T10:09:00.000-07:002010-07-01T16:27:02.125-07:00EPA presentation on draft permit for pesticide discharges met with spirited comments from water users, other stakeholders.

In a June 16, 2010, meeting in Boise, representatives from the US EPA presented information clarifying a draft NPDES General Permit for pesticide discharges that has been submitted for public comment.While the meeting was presented as an opportunity to ask for clarification and pose questions in order to have a better understanding of the permit, EPA representatives noted that testimony on the

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-91478624674042855612010-04-23T13:13:00.000-07:002010-04-23T14:07:28.491-07:00Earth Day Art Contest Winners

Best Of Show: Sarah Cohen, Borah High School Art Work, First Place: Riley Doyle, Boise High Art Work, Second Place: Rachel Neely, Boise High Poster, First Place: Amanda Plagge, Boise HighPoster, Second Place: Rebecca Thomas-Kuzilik, Boise High

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-84362285321574941612010-04-07T07:40:00.001-07:002010-04-07T12:32:16.355-07:00Newly appointed EPA Administrator gives overview of environmental issues

Dennis McLerran was appointed Administrator for EPA’s Region 10 in January. He spoke to the Idaho Environmental Forum on Tuesday, April 6, 2010.McLerran noted that he has experience working in local government and has worked on air quality issues in a large urban area, Seattle, and in the smaller community of Port Townsend. He has been on the other side of the fence in private practice as an

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-61289971604769804642010-03-23T15:31:00.000-07:002010-03-23T16:42:27.475-07:00Aerobic Garbage Reduction

While the legislature is rumored to be heading toward adjournment sine die by Friday, March 26, some legislation other than budget-related has been introduced, passed committees in both House and Senate and passed on the floors for both chambers. One of the most interesting, dealing with land fills, was introduced on February 25th.HB 599 allows the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-33519358984602022292010-03-06T10:37:00.002-08:002010-03-06T10:39:08.849-08:00Fund established for working lands projects

A bill presented by the Working Lands Coalition to establish a fund in the state treasury generated more discussion than expected in the Senate Resources and Environment Committee Wednesday. Senate Bill 1343 would establish a fund to make grants to landowners as incentive to engage in natural resources stewardship projects, helping to retain farms, forests and grazing lands as working

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-10898320124534921082010-03-06T10:37:00.001-08:002010-03-06T10:37:55.716-08:00Timber scaling assessments to be split between buyer and seller

On Wednesday, the Senate Resources and Environment Committee approved a bill to provide a funding source for a tiny state agency responsible for making qualified assessments of timber volume. The bill would divide the cost of such assessments between timber owners and timber purchasers. Currently, only the purchaser pays the fee. The bill is supported by a number of timber industry

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-29979546190448963192010-03-06T10:35:00.000-08:002010-03-18T10:34:31.257-07:00Hunters speak out against motorized vehicle rule

The Senate Resources and Environment committee this week heard testimony regarding off-road motorized vehicle use by hunters. Except for disabled hunters with the appropriate vehicle tags, it is illegal to hunt from a motorized vehicle, including ATVs.* Idaho Departments of Fish and Game, Parks and Recreation and Transportation testified to specific points of the IDFG rule, and the US Forest

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-58541922658751517392010-02-26T23:05:00.000-08:002010-02-26T23:06:21.066-08:00Water Users present bill to clarify what constitutes “floodways” versus drainages or ditches and “development” versus maintenance

Norm Semanko with the Idaho Water Users Association presented a bill to the House Resources and Conservation Committee clarifying what constitutes a floodway versus a drainage or a ditch and “development” in a floodway versus maintenance. “Lately, we’ve had local entities trying to require a permit to make maintenance improvements – what constitutes ‘regulatory creep’ by agencies,” he said,

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-29295064079169153662010-02-26T23:04:00.001-08:002010-02-26T23:05:31.199-08:00Emissions testing legislation challenged in committee

Representative Steve Kren proposed a bill this week to the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee that would have amended the legislative rule on emissions passed two years ago, saying that Canyon County commissioners weren’t given ample time to propose alternatives to a mandatory emissions testing program.Rep. Kren’s bill would have raised the ceiling for ambient pollution levels in

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-23845799413986918062010-02-26T22:43:00.000-08:002010-02-26T23:03:58.940-08:00House bill would raise invasive species sticker price

The House Resources and Conservation Committee this week approved a bill which would raise the price of boat invasive species stickers to $7 from $5 despite testimony from floaters and paddlers who feel they pay a disproportionate share of the fee. Howard Miller testified as a private citizen that the cost to register his five kayaks is unfair compared to the owner of a much more expensive ski

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-35902910172351583772010-02-26T22:42:00.000-08:002010-02-26T22:43:54.028-08:00Bill would keep hunters’ names confidential

The House Resources and Conservation Committee approved a bill sponsored by Representative Judy Boyle that would keep hunter licensing and tag information confidential unless otherwise specified. Rep. Boyle says that Idaho legal wolf hunters have received threatening emails this season . Rep. Hagerdorn noted he has had similar experiences after he engaged in a wolf hunt and had a story printed

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-9992985668294913962010-02-26T22:40:00.000-08:002010-02-26T22:42:01.665-08:00Senator proposes clarification in permitting requirements for big game pelts, collaboration on wolf management

The Senate Resources and Environment committee on Monday considered several bills presented by Senator Gary Schroeder, including clarifications of big game reporting rules.Changes to Idaho Fish and Game rules in the 1990s inadvertently failed to clarify IDFG’s authority to require permits to buy and sell black bear and cougar pelts. Schroeder, a north Idaho taxidermist, says that this omission

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-47944066831033451102010-02-13T12:00:00.001-08:002010-02-13T12:15:30.966-08:00Dairies Ask for Help in Restricting County Jurisdiction

Milk Producers of Idaho are asking legislators for their help in restricting county jurisdiction over large dairies, arguing that it is unnecessary to constrict Idaho Dairies to tighter air and water quality standards than are allowed under Idaho law. Click to read the full story from AP Reporter John Miller.

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-80235546752931725152010-02-13T11:59:00.001-08:002010-02-13T12:00:04.873-08:00"Broad" Language Threatens Invasive Species Bill

Early in the week, the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee voted down an RS that they said contained language that would allow too much latitude to authorities trying to curb the influx of invasive species.Lloyd Knight of the Department of Agriculture fielded questions about proposed legislative changes that he said were necessary to allow law enforcement agencies the ability to be proactive in

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-71458581220463022912010-02-05T16:08:00.000-08:002010-02-07T14:06:45.137-08:00Department of Lands proposes new rules

In June, 2007, the State Land Board directed the Department of Lands (IDL) to study problems with current lease rules and involve the stakeholders in the process of negotiated rulemaking. The Land Board wanted to avoid continued lawsuits and reduce costs to IDL.On Wednesday, IDL representatives presented rules on new procedures to award leases on state endowment lands and to govern conflict

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-4006452950715718442010-01-30T12:15:00.000-08:002010-01-30T12:16:40.898-08:00Whose rule is it?

On Thursday the House Energy Environment and Technology Committee took care of some housekeeping, complements of the Department of Environmental Quality. The DEQ presented a number of updates to Idaho Code that were overlooked when the department was split off from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in 2000, including a change to Idaho Code that requires environmental protection rules to

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-80383984908481488122010-01-30T12:14:00.001-08:002010-01-30T12:15:50.321-08:00Debate continues on car emissions, this time over rules

On Tuesday, the Senate Health & Welfare Committee approved rules on minimum standards for auto emissions in the state of Idaho. The original legislation was based on recommendations made by the Treasure Valley Air Quality Council in early 2007. One of the recommendations was to expand the Ada County emissions testing program to include Canyon County which has always been a hot-button issue and

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-61785650985976176152010-01-30T12:13:00.000-08:002010-01-30T12:14:40.703-08:00IJOBS package includes bill focused on expediting renewable energy projects

Idaho House and Senate Democrats introduced a package of bills Wednesday that its sponsors say are aimed at stimulating Idaho business and generating job growth. The Grow Green Idaho Jobs Act would expedite the permitting process for renewable energy projects. Another bill would establish a Jobs Council within the Governor’s Office charged with providing recommendations to increase jobs in

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-82123270432044106742010-01-22T13:56:00.000-08:002010-01-22T14:30:07.157-08:00Legislation Addresses Regulations on the Timber Industry

The House Resources and Conservation Committee focused its attention this week on the timber industry, moving several pieces of draft legislation forward to print, including a revision to the Timber Supply Stabilization Act.Idaho was the first state to mandate in-state processing for logs harvested from state forests, a decision that was ruled unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court in 1984, in

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-22768016486217168972010-01-22T13:51:00.000-08:002010-01-22T15:05:15.059-08:00Are the Feds Living Up to their Responsibilities Under ESA?

On Wednesday, committee members heard a report on endangered species in Idaho by a panel headed up by Nate Fisher, Idaho Office of Species Conservation. Fisher voiced the Governor’s frustration that while Idaho citizens have been willing to roll up their sleeves and work to save species, the Federal government has failed to live up to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act and to its

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-77558285468373190182010-01-22T13:44:00.000-08:002010-01-22T13:51:32.146-08:00Is State Funding for CAMP in Jeopardy?

Both Senate and House committees dealing with natural resources committees met this week.At the Senate Resources and Environment committee meeting, Director Hal Anderson of the Idaho Department of Water Resources and his board were on hand to follow up on an interim committee request to review how budget cutbacks were going to affect the department – specifically progress on the Eastern Snake

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-48834002542168479652010-01-11T16:09:00.000-08:002010-01-11T16:19:00.275-08:00Governor Otter's State of the State Address 2010

In his State of the State Address today, Governor Butch Otter gave nods to innovation, dug his heels in about federal intervention and, of course, gave a preview of what look to be dire budget cuts for the year to come.To begin with, Governor Otter outlined what he calls the "basic tenants of the role of government" …- “Number one, we must not raise taxes. It is not our place to impose an

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-5735780476638646332009-12-08T21:11:00.000-08:002009-12-10T10:09:52.223-08:00Climate Change: Credible Science or Pure Politics?

ICIE once again tackled a contentious topic, this time at its 2009 Annual Meeting, November 24th, in Boise, presenting Climate Change: Credible Science or Pure Politics?In opening the meeting, ICIE President Trent Clark reminded the group of ICIE’s 2007 workshop on the potential impacts of climate change on the Pacific Northwest, which outlined changes, opportunities and threats. Rather than

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-30841301919517925942009-10-27T10:33:00.000-07:002009-10-27T10:53:49.184-07:00Energy, Environment and Tech committee get Cap and Trade overview

Rich Walje, President of Rocky Mountain Power, spoke about the federal cap and trade issue before the interim joint legislative committee on Energy, Environment and technology.- Rocky Mountain Power serves customers in southeast Idaho. It customer-base is about 50% industrial.- Fifty percent of the power it produces comes from coal-based generation.- It is also the 2nd largest owner and operator

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-26921429881840212422009-10-27T10:23:00.000-07:002009-10-27T10:52:37.231-07:00Transmission 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

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-41888762616920771462009-09-08T21:31:00.000-07:002009-09-08T21:39:33.593-07:00Legislative Energy, Environment and Technology Interim Committee Updates

The Joint Energy, Environment and Technology Interim Committee met early this month for updates on transmission projects, a proposal for the establishment of Energy Independence Districts, how projects utilizing woody biomass are progressing (or aren’t), and how the Governor’s Office of Energy Resources is poised to utilize stimulus funding.Transmission Project SitingRon Williams from LS Power

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-70332978098910120522009-08-06T16:46:00.001-07:002009-08-06T16:48:32.550-07:00Working Lands Coalition provides multiple perspectives

At the July meeting of the Natural Resources interim committee, the Idaho Working Lands Coalition provided an overview of the changing landscape in Idaho and the importance of conserving Idaho’s ranches, farms and forests. The Idaho Tax Commission shows that 13.8 million acres in Idaho were taxed as private working lands in 2008. When considering Idaho’s population growth (projected to be 2

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-91015031759068449322009-08-06T16:42:00.000-07:002009-08-06T16:44:20.955-07:00Wild horse bill could impact local ecology

A bill being considered before the US Senate will restrict the authority of local agencies dealing with wild horses, and give a foothold to lawsuits, says Ron Kay with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to the interim Natural Resources committee in late July. The Restoration of the American Mustang Act aims to restore acreage available for wild and free-roaming horses and burros to at

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-50503730691694275512009-08-06T16:39:00.000-07:002009-08-06T16:45:09.225-07:00Water rights curtailment order enforced in Southern Idaho

Chris Bromley of the Idaho Department of Water Resources gave the interim Natural Resources committee an update on three water calls which have been under review. The first two, dealing with the A&B Irrigation District and the Surface Water Coalition of 7 southern Idaho districts have been resolved, with the Department stating that they will strive to be as timely as possible in deciding such

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-11418573127085090102009-07-14T12:40:00.000-07:002009-07-14T12:42:54.085-07:00Western states to lose control over transmission siting?

The Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) is holding its 19th annual summit in Boise this week. The theme of the conference is Global Challenges, Northwest Imperatives for the Future. Following is an article published by NewWest.net about transmission siting in the West.For further information about PNWER activities in Boise this week, go to: http://www.pnwer.org/2009summit/HomeWestern

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-91488840139727187132009-07-07T11:20:00.000-07:002009-07-07T10:20:14.199-07:00ICIE Update: Legislative Committee Looks at Alternate Funding Sources

The interim legislative task force charged with identifying alternative sources of funding for the Idaho State Police and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation met last Tuesday. The funding in question was shifted away from the two departments this past legislative session to fund the transportation bill that goes into effect in July of 2010.Co-Chair Senator Cameron opened the meeting by

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-687567206488840702009-06-15T14:43:00.000-07:002009-06-15T14:44:36.718-07:00Climate Change threat overblown?

Fortune magazine published an article that was posted to the CNNMoney.com website on May 14, 2009. It is an interview with John Christy, director of the Earth Science Center at the University of Alabama, written by Jon Birger, senior writer at Fortune. Christy is a veteran climatologist who was a lead author on the 2001 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report and one of three

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-58269560236240590752009-05-01T22:43:00.001-07:002009-05-01T22:43:53.928-07:00Revised bighorn sheep bill passes Senate and House

S1232aa: Bighorn sheep bill revised: Passed the Senate and the House.This bill rewrites the vetoed bighorn sheep bill and adds a section that requires IDFG to develop a state management plan to maintain a self-sustaining population of bighorn sheep. The plan is required to take into account the existing state and federal grazing allotments. The plan will outline best management practices

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-79716287192342903132009-05-01T22:42:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:43:08.401-07:00Bighorn Sheep bill vetoed

S1175aa: Care and control of bighorn sheep: Amended twice but still vetoed by the Governor.This bill amends an existing law to provide that: Fish and Game take specified action relating to the relocation of bighorn sheep; provide for the relocation or control of certain bighorn sheep by the Director of the Department of Fish and Game and to delete reference to provisions relating to the

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-23292030780683053372009-05-01T22:40:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:41:47.812-07:00Swan Falls agreement signed by gov

S1167, S1169, S1185: Swan Falls and recharge: All signed by the Governor on 4/24/09 and effective on 7/01/09All of these bills deal with one of a previous session’s contentious issues: the Swan Falls agreement that led to the state adjudication process and the issue of recharge of the aquifer.The first requires the Idaho Water Resource Board approve any managed recharge project in excess of

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-77104191696505264732009-05-01T22:39:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:40:39.276-07:00Resolution addresses pending invasive species

SCR 109: Here come the mussels: Adopted by both houses.This resolution addresses the pending emergency confronting Idaho in the form of Zebra and Quagga mussels. Further, the Resolution declares that such an emergency exists and that deficiency warrants, as authorized by the Idaho Invasive Species Act of 2008, be used proactively by the Department of Agriculture. The resolution outlines

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-59054326619149031152009-05-01T22:37:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:39:03.819-07:00Resolution addresses the impacts of converting working lands to other uses

HCR 18: The cost of subdividing our working lands: Adopted by both houses.This resolution requests the Natural Resources Interim Committee to study the impacts of converting working ranches, farms and forests to other uses. The resolution also asks for an examination of the need for new state policy initiatives to protect the values that such lands contribute to local economies, agricultural

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-77032049998190330272009-05-01T22:36:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:37:18.707-07:00Interim committees to continue work throughout the off season

HCR 13, HCR16, HCR25, HCR31: Interim committeesInterim committees adopted by both House and Senate include: - Natural resources, to study resource issues (see HCR 18 below);- A continuation of the energy, environment and technology interim committee;- An interim committee to complete a study of statutory provisions of the Idaho Code and rules relating to the Soil

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-70033277780947720072009-05-01T22:33:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:36:12.626-07:00Wolf sharing bill signed into law

S1015: Share our wolves, please: Signed by the Governor and went into effect on 4-17-09.This tongue in cheek legislation officially recognizes that Idaho has a surplus of wolves andoffers some of these surplus animals to other states. This legislation directs the Idaho Fish and Game Department to write to their counterparts in all other states, offering some of our surplus animals.

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-62925675423420644152009-05-01T22:32:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:33:49.525-07:00Joint Memorial Encourages Wolf Delisting

HJM1: Wolf delisting: Adopted with only two nay votes.This House Joint Memorial urges the United States to honor the commitment made to Idaho that wolves would be delisted upon fulfillment of the 1994 recovery standards, and that the President be urged to withdraw the directive suspending publication of the rule removing Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolves from the list of endangered and

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-14094205020819405142009-05-01T22:31:00.001-07:002009-05-01T22:31:55.526-07:00Aquifer Management Plan to go into effect

H264: Aquifer management plan: signed by the Governor and effective 4-23-09This legislation approves the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan (CAMP) as a component of the Comprehensive State Water Plan and provides that the Idaho Water Resource Board prepare and submit for approval to the legislature a funding mechanism needed to implement Phase One of the

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-36867104184166933262009-05-01T22:29:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:30:11.975-07:00Renewable Energy Enterprize Zones: a concept for another time?

H122: Renewable Energy Enterprise Zones: A concept ahead of its time, it is still in committeeThis legislation will stimulate economic growth by creating Renewable Energy Enterprise Zones (REEZ). A REEZ is a limited geographic region in which specific renewable energy resources are promoted for development. This legislation identifies appropriate incentives and tax benefits designed to

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-57024713370080399212009-05-01T22:27:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:28:25.183-07:00Land assessment rates to cover costs of wildfire protection

H31: Cost of wildfire protection: Introduced in the House, amended in the Senate: signed by the Governor, effective 7-1-09 The Department of Lands is responsible for wild land fire protection on about six million acres of state and private forest lands. Funds trained crews and equipment ready for fire season are partially covered by forest landowner assessments. Current assessments

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-48606896814423856392009-05-01T22:21:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:25:11.842-07:00Transmission facilities get priority status

H7: PUC and transmission facilities: signed by the Governor on 2-19-09, effective 7-1-09This legislation recognizes Idaho’s critical need for transmission infrastructure as it relates to economic growth and sustainability, energy security, and the broader public interest. The PUC and the Office of Energy Resource both confirm that a “priority status” designation does not impact the

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-15603142583752309592009-04-09T10:06:00.000-07:002009-04-09T10:09:37.904-07:00Legislation addresses Big Horn Sheep management

This is from a regular roundup of some of ICIE’s activities in and around the Idaho Legislature. Staffing limits mean we can’t cover every meeting. If there’s an item of interest to you at an upcoming meeting of one of the environment or agriculture committees, let us know and we’ll try to cover it. Agendas are available at http://www.state.id.us/. Click on “Legislative” and click on “Calendars

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-66702154368194057842009-04-09T10:02:00.000-07:002009-04-09T10:04:43.402-07:00Bills resolved litigation between Idaho Power Company and the State

This post is part of a regular roundup of some of ICIE’s activities in and around the Idaho Legislature. Staffing limits mean we can’t cover every meeting. If there’s an item of interest to you at an upcoming meeting of one of the environment or agriculture committees, let us know and we’ll try to cover it. Agendas are available at www.state.id.us. Click on “Legislative” and click on “Calendars

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-49830976210830352472009-04-09T09:58:00.000-07:002009-04-09T10:00:35.709-07:00Invitation from the Idaho and BSU Student Chapters of the Air & Waste Management Association

Please join us for an informal discussion with Sue Richards, DEQ Air Quality Analyst, to learn about:State of Idaho Green House Gas emission inventoryDEQ's Climate Registry membershipProposed federal Green House Gas regulationsWhen: 8:00 a.m. - 9 a.m., April 22, 2009 (Earth Day)Where: Boise State University Student Union Building, Alexander RoomCost: freeCoffee and other refreshments available

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-24306262211147208862009-04-01T15:26:00.000-07:002009-04-01T15:39:30.853-07:00Governor Otter's Budget Proposal

Otter’s budget chief, Wayne Hammon, sent the following message to all legislators this morning. The text of the Governor's full proposal follows:Members of the Senate and House,Attached is a copy of the Governor’s proposal for the end of the year budget bill. This plan addresses many of the concerns that up until now have remained unresolved.Specifically, the Governor’s plan:· Eliminates

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-20600606153088638572009-03-31T08:30:00.000-07:002009-03-31T08:53:58.688-07:00Integration of Wind Energy into BPA Power Grid - ICIE's Saturday Summary 3/28/09

This is a weekly roundup of some of ICIE’s activities in and around the Idaho Legislature. Staffing limits mean we can’t cover every meeting. If there’s an item of interest to you at an upcoming meeting of one of the environment or agriculture committees, let us know and we’ll try to cover it. Agendas are available at www.state.id.us. Click on “Legislative” and click on “Calendars and agendas

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-58851155652221770402009-03-09T15:24:00.000-07:002009-03-09T15:25:39.646-07:00Converting working Ranches, Farms, Forests to other uses - ICIE's Saturday Summary 3/7/09

Rep. Rich Wills presented HCR 18 to the committee asking for its support. This concurrent resolution requests the Natural Resources Interim Committee to study the impacts of conversion of working ranches, farms and forests to other uses. It also asks for an examination of the need for new state policy initiatives to protect the values that such landscontribute to local economies, agricultural

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-1458080755487938692009-03-09T15:22:00.000-07:002009-03-09T15:26:32.537-07:00Wolf Delisting Decision - ICIE Saturday Summary 3/7/09

Clive Strong, Idaho Attorney General’s office, reported to the Senate Resources and Environment Committee on the decision by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to delist the gray wolf in Idaho and Montana. The decision will be printed in the Federal Register and will final 30 days after printing. The state is expecting a lawsuit to be filed because the delisting does not include Wyoming. Idaho has

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-79853358491157903732009-03-09T14:45:00.000-07:002009-03-09T14:51:24.345-07:00Carbon Sequestration - ICIE's Saturday Summary 3/7/09

Mike Hoffman with the Idaho Soil Conservation Commission (ISCC) reported to the House Agricultural Affairs Committeeon on Idaho’s carbon sequestration efforts. The Idaho Legislature established the Carbon Sequestration Advisory Committee in 2002 as part of the legislation asking the Soil Conservation Commission to prepare a report exploring the potential for carbon sequestration on agricultural

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-81625991985997636222009-03-09T14:33:00.000-07:002009-03-09T14:38:11.055-07:0025x25 and energy - ICIE's Saturday Summary 3/7/09

J. Read Smith, a farmer from St. John, Washington and Co-chairman of 25X’25 explained to the House Agricultural Affairs Committee recently what that organization hopes to accomplish. The organization’s goal is for America's farms, forests and ranches to provide 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States by 2025, while continuing to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food,

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-24339581177233240722009-03-02T11:39:00.000-08:002009-03-02T11:40:47.100-08:00Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility - ICIE's Saturday Summary 2/28/09

On Wednesday, Areva Enrichment Services presented an overview of the proposed Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility for Bonneville County to the House Energy, Environment and Technology Committee. Industry representatives say public input for this project has been “unanimously” positive. Of the more than 350 people who attended a recent public meeting on the project, all were supportive, although both

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-19938604161705288912009-03-02T11:36:00.000-08:002009-03-02T11:39:40.989-08:00Eastern Snake River Aquifer Plan - ICIE's Saturday Summary 2/28/09

At a joint meeting of the House Resources and Conservation Committee and the Senate Resources and Environment Committee, the Idaho Water Resources Board presented a plan for the Eastern Snake River Aquifer (ESRA). The plan is the product of a 2007 House resolution (HCR28). Its long term objective is to address methods of incrementally increasing the ESRA water budget by 600 thousand acre feet

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-15055415897533806122009-02-23T21:27:00.001-08:002009-02-23T21:41:25.322-08:00Nez Perce Agreement - ICIE's Saturday Summary 2/21/09

The Saturday Summary is a weekly roundup of some of ICIE’s activities in and around the Idaho Legislature. Staffing limits mean we can’t cover every meeting. If there’s an item of interest to you at an upcoming meeting of one of the environment or agriculture committees, let us know and we’ll try to cover it. Agendas are available at www.state.id.us. Click on “Legislative” and click on “Calendars

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-70738897594725388322009-02-23T21:19:00.000-08:002009-02-23T21:42:02.986-08:00Wolf Impact - ICIE's Saturday Summary 2/21/09

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-9604507873431866632009-02-23T21:17:00.000-08:002009-02-23T21:42:23.138-08:00Senator Mike Crapo Reports to the Food Producers of Idaho - ICIE's Saturday Summary 2/21/09

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-74684632409451120682009-02-23T21:14:00.000-08:002009-02-23T21:42:54.122-08:00ICIE Legislative Activities - ICIE's Saturday Summary 2/21/09

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187703791598061490.post-17268792590895839982009-02-23T21:12:00.000-08:002009-02-23T21:43:19.954-08:00Quagga Mussel Report - Saturday Summary 2/21/09

Beth Markleynoreply@blogger.com0