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Legislative Update

Help Promote a Clean Energy Future in the Idaho Legislature

03/07/12

There is a lot of talk about wind in the Idaho legislature recently. 

House Bill 561 http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/H0561.htm would put a 2 year moratorium on wind development in Idaho. This bill was introduced, and squashed, last year. Urge your legislators to say no to this bill by contacting them.

The Senate introduced a bill (SCR127) on March 5th that will “investigate the economic, social and environmental impacts of the wind industry on the state of Idaho, and whether power sold by a renewable qualifying facility to a utility at avoided cost should also transfer to a public utility, the environmental attributes of that qualifying facility, or whether such environmental attributes should be retained by the qualifying facility.”

The Senate bill is the better of the two because it would at least take the time to examine options and will also take the time to review previously problematic things like Green Tags. To read the bill go here: http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/SCR127.htm and to read up on Green Tags check out this article: http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2012/03/06/rockybarker/fight_over_tradeable_energy_credits_pits_utilities_against_idaho#storylink=cpy

Great news for those of you who would like to make energy efficiency updates to your home! House Bill 485 has passed which will allow tax credits to those who wish to make their homes, which were built up until 2002, more energy efficient. This bill amended a previous code which allowed the tax credits for homes built up until 1976. http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/H0485.htm

House Bill 464 regarding oil and gas has passed out of the House and is in the Senate. The second reading was yesterday. You can still urge your Senators to reject this bill which would, among other things, limit the ability of local counties to place restrictions relating to oil and gas. Don't want fracking occuring near you? Speak up! Information on this bill can be found here: http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/H0464.htm

02/28/12

Help out Idaho wolves! Take a look at this http://www.care2.com/causes/live-bait-okay-to-kill-idaho-wolves.html and take action today by contacting Resources & Environment Committee members here: http://legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactbycommittee.cfm

It is possible this will be voted on February 29th so contact them now to say no to these measures. For those that are interested in reading the bill you can find it here: http://legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/S1305.htm

02/22/12

The legislative session is in full swing  and there are some energy and conservation related bills you should be aware of. Here they are, along with where you can find out more information about them:

Energy Efficient Upgrades to Homes, Tax Deduction (HB 485) http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/H0485.htm

This is an exciting piece of legislation that will amend existing law to allow homes built up until 2002 to be eligible for a tax deduction when energy efficiency upgrades are installed. Previously the law allowed homes built up until 1976 this deduction. This law would allow many more owners to make their homes more energy efficient!

Natural Gas Fracking Rule (HB 464) http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/H0464.htm

HB 464 is going to have it's third reading on February 14th at 10:30 am before the Full House. It will probably be voted on today. You can watch the live feed of the debate at http://www.idahoptv.org/leglive/legBody.cfm?pubPoint=House

Wildlife Auction Tags (SB 1256) http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/S1256.htm

Natural Gas Penalties and Enforcement (HB 378) http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/H0378.htm

Natural Gas Fees (HB 377) http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/H0377.htm

Geothermal on State Land Rules (Docket No. 20-0315-1102)

Energy Facility Siting (SB1250) http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/S1250.htm 

Idaho Farm Freedom Act (HB 431) http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/H0431.htm

This is where you can track bills and see what is happening with them: http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2012/WeeklyBillStatus.pdf

02/22/12

01/12/12

This week kicks off the 2012 legislative session. On Monday Governor Butch Otter gave his State of the State address addressing the budget, education, the health insurance exchange and the IGEM jobs initiative. 

This legislative session will undoubedly be one with much debate over the issues the Governor brought up along with others. The Idaho Energy Plan has been revamped and is one key part of this legislative session. Check back often for updates as the session progresses and read below for how you can get involved in the legislative process and help make changes this year. 

TOP 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION

1. Attend a lobby training on February 8th at BSU and February 9th at Snake River Alliance
2. Join us on February 16th at the Capitol for our citizens Lobby Day
3. Call or email your state senator and representatives on issues you care about (we’ll help you with action items in the legislative alerts).
4. Get to know your state senator and representatives and visit with them at least once each session either at the Capital or in-district. Don't know who you are represented by? Find out easily here: http://legislature.idaho.gov/who'smylegislator.htm
5. Make sure your email preferences are up to date with us to ensure you receive our emails on what is happening in the legislature as well as actions you can take.