Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

This is the last Your Voice For Conservation because the 2008 legislative session has come to an end.

The Good

Air Quality

- A bill passed to authorize the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to develop rules allowing auto emissions testing in certain Idaho airsheds.

Field Burning

- The Legislature passed a bill that represents a compromise on open field burning. Safe Air for Everyone (SAFE) and agriculture interests reached an agreement that protects public health and allows for field burning.

Invasive Species

- The Invasive Species Act of 2008 was made law. The act sets an important framework for addressing the increasing threat of invasive species to our land and waterways.

Groundwater Pollution

- The Legislature did not support the bill introduced by the Idaho Mining Association (IMA). This bill sought to weaken groundwater protection from mining pollution. The IMA’s effort sought to circumvent an ongoing Department of Environmental Quality-negotiated rulemaking.

The Bad

Green Schools

- A Senate committee voted down a good bill that would have made Idaho schools more energy efficient. The legislation would have required that new schools be designed and built to be more energy efficient.

Green Buildings

- The Senate amended a bill to improve energy-efficiency standards for new state buildings, and the Legislature passed a watered-down version. This version reduced the proposed standard from 30 to 10 percent.

Mining Water Rights

- The IMA succeeded in its effort to exempt water rights for mining operations from forfeiture. This will allow long unused water rights to be revived.

The Ugly

Ranch, Farm and Forest Protection Act

- A House committee killed a bill that would have created a system of tax credits to promote conservation easements. These easements would protect working farms, ranches and forestlands so vital to the wildlife habitat, clean water and rural economies that Idahoans value.

Funding for Public Transportation

- Despite the best efforts of public transit advocates, all efforts to pass a “local option tax” to fund public transportation failed. Although a constitutional amendment got some traction, its passage would have limited the ability of local governments to raise funds for public transportation.

Greenhouse Gas Resolution

- The resolution requested that the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Office of Energy prepare a report about greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Even though it passed through a Senate committee, it failed on the Senate floor.

5-Minute Action

Stay informed on conservation issues throughout the year by visiting the Idaho Conservation League blog.

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

Just when I think the 2008 Legislative Session will end, it will likely go for another week.

Invasive Species

The Invasive Species Act of 2008 (HB 643) passed a Senate committee and is on its way to the floor. The bill spells out prohibited actions and duties of the state; it also authorizes the promulgation of rules. This sets an important framework for addressing the increasing threat of invasive species to our land and waterways. We support this effort and will participate in the rulemaking if the bill passes.

Transportation

Funding for transportation is an issue that the Legislature has not finished discussing. An amendment to the Idaho Constitution (HJR 4) has passed the House and awaits a vote in the Senate. The amendment would give local voters the option to raise sales taxes for transit projects, but the issue at the center of the debate is whether the proposed amendment would set the bar so high that is would restrict local governments, not assist them.

The amendment would require that a local option tax could only be implemented by a city or county, which would make regional transit planning and funding difficult. It would also require legislative approval, and local voters must approve by a supermajority (66 and 2/3). The vote on a local option tax must take place in a November election, which reduces that chance of passage. We believe these restrictions set the bar too high; no constitutional amendment is needed to implement a local option tax.

The amendment has two more hurdles to clear. It has to pass in the Senate with two-thirds support, which means 12 "no" votes would block it in the 35-member Senate. If successful, it will then be placed on the November ballot and voters will need to approve it by a simple majority.

5-Minute Action

Please urge your senator to oppose HJR 4! Tell your senator that a constitutional amendment places a burden on local governments instead of providing them the tools they need.

To find contact information for your senator, go to www.legislature.idaho.gov/who'smylegislator.htm

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

Things are winding down in the Idaho Legislature, and the session will likely come to an end next week. But here's what happened this week.

Transportation

The House and Senate continue to wrestle with funding for transportation. In the middle of these discussions on where money will come from and what it will be spent on is the issue of public transportation. Remember that Idaho is one of four states that do not have a dedicated funding source for public transportation. A local option tax is the best way to raise the money for public transportation and other transportation needs, but this issue is contentious in the Idaho Legislature.

Air Quality

House Bill 586 would authorize the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to develop rules allowing auto emissions testing in certain Idaho airsheds. This issue is timely, given that the Environmental Protection Agency announced a new lower limit on ozone pollution. This new limit will likely send the Treasure Valley over health standards. The bill is up for a vote on the Senate floor next week.

Invasive Species

Rep. Eric Anderson (R-1) introduced the Invasive Species Act of 2008 (HB 643) this week. This bill passed the House and is on its way to the Senate. It spells out prohibited actions and duties of the state; it also authorizes the promulgation of rules. This sets an important framework for addressing the increasing threat of invasive species to our land and waterways. We support this effort and will participate in the rulemaking if the bill passes.

5-Minute Action

All Idaho legislators are up for election this November, and the filing deadline is today. So find out now about your choices in the upcoming election by going to Idaho Secretary of State’s website.

The Idaho Conservation League does not engage in elections. But we encourage you to educate yourself on the candidates and vote!

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

Here are the conservation highlights from the last week, called Your Voice for Conservation.

Land Conservation

Unfortunately, a House committee stopped the progress of the Idaho Ranch, Farm and Forest Protection Act. This effort is supported by a broad and diverse coalition, including groups representing farmers, foresters, sportsmen and conservationists. The act would have helped protect the areas and wildlife that we treasure from development. A recent statewide poll showed that Idaho voters overwhelmingly (at 83%) support tax incentives that would protect farms, ranches and forests.

Greenhouse Gases

The Senate killed a resolution requesting that the Department of Environmental Quality and Office of Energy Resources collaborate to provide the Idaho Legislature with a report detailing the following:

• Greenhouse gas reduction options
  
• Potential economic opportunities associated with energy generated from renewable resources
  
• Steps the state could take to coordinate with regional or national efforts in anticipation of greenhouse gas regulations

Air Quality

A new version of an air quality bill passed through a House committee this week. This bill would authorize the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to develop rules allowing auto emissions testing in certain Idaho airsheds. It will now go to the House floor for a full vote.

Field Burning

By the time you receive this email, a bill that represents a compromise on open field burning will likely be on its way to Governor Otter for his signature. Safe Air for Everyone and agriculture interests have reached an agreement that protects public health and allows for field burning. This issue has been heatedly debated for a number of years.

5-Minute Action

If you want up-to-date information on conservation issues in a readable format, check out the Idaho Conservation League blog. You will also find helpful links to more in-depth information on the issues that matter to you.

To read the blog, go to http://blog.wildidaho.org.

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

Here are the conservation highlights from the last week, called Your Voice for Conservation.

Energy Efficiency

Unfortunately, a Senate committee voted down a bill that would have made Idaho schools more energy efficient. Senate Bill 1412 would have required new schools to use an integrated design and fundamental commissioning process. Not only would the process help conserve our natural resources, but it would also have saved the state money.

Air Quality

A new version of an air quality bill will be introduced this week. This bill would authorize the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to develop rules allowing auto emissions testing in certain Idaho airsheds. The hearing will likely be on March 11.

Field Burning

A House committee passed a bill that represents a compromise on open field burning. Safe Air for Everyone and agriculture interests have reached an agreement that protects public health and allows for field burning. This issue has been heatedly debated for a number of years. Given the widespread support for this compromise, it will likely pass.

Agriculture

The Senate passed Senate Bill 1402, which would allow people living more than a mile from a proposed confined animal feeding operation to testify in permit hearings. This issue is the only place in Idaho code and the only industry where public hearings are limited to a one-mile residency requirement. This year will likely be the second during which the bill has passed the Senate but been denied a hearing by the chair of the House Local Government Committee.

5-Minute Action

Take a moment and let Rep. Lenore Barrett, Chair of the House Local Government Committee, know that Senate Bill 1402 deserves a hearing!

• All Idahoans benefit when the public participates in government decisions.
  
• The one-mile residency requirement is inconsistent with an open and democratic government.
  
• Animal feeding operations should not be treated differently from other industries when it comes to public hearings.
  
  To contact Rep. Barrett, email her at lbarrett@house.idaho.gov.
  To read the bill, go to www3.state.id.us/oasis/S1402.html.
  
  

  Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

We are halfway through the session! Here are conservation highlights from the last week, called Your Voice for Conservation.

Agriculture

A hearing was held on Senate Bill 1402, which would remove the one-mile primary residency requirement to participate in local hearings about concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). We have supported this effort for years. The bill would allow affected people to participate in public hearings associated with CAFO siting. The committee voted in favor, and it will now be heard in the full Senate.

Air Quality

The House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee continued discussions on House Bill 482. This bill would authorize the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to develop rules allowing auto emissions testing in certain Idaho airsheds. There is resistance to this bill, but it looks like a vote will be taken February 28.

Mining

The Idaho Mining Association succeeded in its effort to exempt mining operations from forfeiture of water rights as long as the property is maintained and has mineral rights. Senate Bill 1348 would resurrect water rights from the past and likely validate historic unused water rights. Thanks to Sen. Clint Stennet (D-25) and Sen. David Langhorst (D-16) for voting against the measure.

Greenhouse Gases

A resolution (SCR 128) will have a public hearing February 27. The resolution requests that the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Office of Energy prepare a report about greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. We believe this information will assist the Idaho Legislature in deciding a course of action on the issues.

5-Minute Action

Take a moment and let the Idaho Legislature know you support a local option tax for transportation. Idaho is one of four states with no dedicated funds for public transportation. As more people call Idaho home, we must improve public transportation. For that, funding is needed. Speak out for your community by expressing your support for a local option tax! Email Dennis Lake, Chairman of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, today!

To learn more about this effort, go to www.movingidahoforward.com.

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

Things are getting busy at the statehouse; here are conservation highlights from the last week, called Your Voice for Conservation.

Energy

The Energy Efficient Schools bill (SB 1412) was introduced in the Senate Resources and Environment Committee. The bill ensures new schools will be more energy efficient through integrated design and fundamental commissioning. This process will conserve our natural resources and save the state money. The bill sponsors are Sen. Elliot Werk (D) and Sen. Curt McKenzie (R).

Air Quality

The House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee took public testimony on Thursday on auto emissions testing. The committee will vote on the bill Wednesday, February 20. The bill (HB 482) would authorize the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to develop rules allowing auto emissions testing in certain Idaho airsheds.

Water Pollution

The Idaho Mining Association (IMA) had introduced Senate Bill 1375. This bill was an attempt to circumvent an ongoing Department of Environmental Quality negotiated rulemaking seeking to address the need for mining operations to not permanently contaminate groundwater.

The IMA has now announced it will return to the negotiating table to try to address groundwater contamination. The IMA has reportedly asked Sen. Patti Anne Lodge, the chair of the relevant Senate committee, to hold the bill and not proceed with a hearing. This is great news!

Greenhouse Gases

A resolution (SCR 128) was introduced requesting that the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Office of Energy prepare a report about greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. We believe this information will assist the legislature in deciding a course of action on the issues.

5-Minute Action

Please contact members of the Senate Resources and Environment Committee and urge them to support Senate Concurrent Resolution 128! The Idaho Legislature should be taking the lead on global warming. This resolution is the first step to charting a course of action on greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.

To contact the Senate Resources and Environment Committee, go to www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactbycommittee.cfm.

To read the resolution, go to www3.state.id.us/oasis/SCR128.html.

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

Here are conservation highlights from the last week, called Your Voice for Conservation. This was an exciting and busy week at the statehouse.

Energy

The Idaho Energy Efficient State Building Act made it through the House. Now it’s on its way to the Senate State Affairs Committee. This bill requires new state-funded buildings to be 30% more efficient than required under the current energy code.

Air Quality

The Idaho Legislature has taken the first step to address air pollution caused by automobile exhaust. A bill was introduced yesterday that would authorize the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to develop rules allowing auto emissions testing in certain Idaho airsheds.

This measure was developed by the Treasure Valley Air Quality Council and brought by Rep. Mark Snodgrass (R-Meridian) and Sen. David Langhorst (D-Boise). The Treasure Valley Air Quality Council is a legislatively created, nonpartisan council of businesses, citizens and governments in Canyon and Ada counties.

Water Pollution

The Idaho Mining Association introduced a bill that would allow mining operations to pollute groundwater. This is an effort to sidestep an ongoing Department of Environment Quality negotiated rulemaking process that we have been involved in for over a year. This bill will be heard in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee.

Open Space

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee introduced House Bill 467. This bill would give a tax break to working landowners who protect natural resources. We are part of a large and diverse coalition backing this bill.

5-Minute Action

Please contact members of the House Revenue and Tax Committee and urge them to support House Bill 467! The committee will hold a hearing in the next week or two. Committee members need to hear from people who support of the bill. We support the bill for a number of reasons:

• The bill protects the working farms, ranches and forestlands so vital to the wildlife habitat, clean water and rural economies that Idahoans value.
  
• A November 2007 statewide poll demonstrated that Idaho voters overwhelmingly -- 83% -- support tax incentives that would protect farms, ranches and forests.
  
• Among Idaho voters, 70% “favor setting aside more state money to protect land around lakes and streams and conserve fish and wildlife habitat and preserve natural areas.”

To read the bill, go to www3.state.id.us/oasis/H0467.html.

To contact the committee, go to www.legislature.idaho.gov/house/committees.cfm.

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

Here are conservation highlights from the last week, called Your Voice for Conservation. Thanks to those of you who attended our legislative reception last night.

Senator Stennett

We wish Sen. Clint Stennett, a long-time friend and supporter, a speedy recovery from the brain surgery he underwent this week. Our thoughts are with him and his family. Former Sun Valley Mayor, Jon Thorson, has been appointed to fulfill his duties until Sen. Stennett returns.

Energy

The Idaho Energy Efficient State Building Act made it through the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee this week. It will be voted on by the full House soon. This is a great way for the state to show leadership on energy efficiency. The bill requires state-funded buildings to be 30% more efficient than the current energy code. This requirement applies to new state buildings or renovations larger than 5,000 square feet.

Rep. Curtis Bowers from Caldwell and Rep. Steve Kren from Nampa voted against the bill.

Nuclear

In case you have not heard, MidAmerican, backed by Warren Buffet, pulled its plans for a nuclear power plant. The plant was being proposed in Payette County.

5-Minute Action

While Idaho’s governor, county commissions, city councils and mayors are taking steps to address global warming, the Idaho Legislature has made no such move. The Legislature can play an important role in ensuring we are reducing greenhouse gases and preparing for the effects of global warming.

There is still time, so consider contacting your legislators (www.legislature.idaho.gov/who'smylegislator.htm) and ask them to take steps to be part of the solution.

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

Here are conservation highlights from the last week, called Your Voice for Conservation. I’ve also included information about Focus the Nation and invite you to learn more about global warming.

Energy

Three bills have recently been introduced in the Idaho Legislature on energy-related issues. Senate Bill 1293, sponsored by the Senate Democrats, creates a siting authority that could approve or deny large power plants. Currently, three county commissioners make that decision.

Senate Bill 1289 amends Idaho code, which prevents the prohibition of nuclear power plants without voter approval. This bill would add voter approval for nuclear power plants. These votes are nonbinding and serve as advisory votes.

Senate Bill 1314 revisits the moratorium on coal-fired power plants and adds nuclear plants to the bill. The moratorium would expire in 2010.

Elk

Senate Bill 1313 would place a moratorium on elk farms and ban shooter bull operations, also known as canned hunts. This bill is similar to one defeated last year. Elk farms and canned hunting operations have been banned in neighboring states because of the risk of spreading diseases from domestic and introduced elk to native elk herds.

Water

A bill was printed in the House Natural Resources and Conservation Committee regarding planning and management of all aquifers in the state. This approach would repeal current rules regarding management of the Eastern Snake Plain aquifer and require a one-time appropriation of $20 million of state funds.

5-Minute Action

If you are in the Treasure Valley plan to attend Focus the Nation activities at Boise State University campus on January 30 and 31. The goal of Focus the Nation is to jumpstart a national discussion on “stabilizing the climate in the 21st century.”

For more information, go to www.boisestate.edu/focusthenation/.

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

The session is off to a slow start, but here are the conservation highlights from the last week, called Your Voice for Conservation.

Hot Bills

We're keeping track of the bills that legislators are working on relating to clean water, clean air, your health and quality of life. We will post a brief description of a bill and any Idaho Conservation League position statements about that bill. Check it out and see the good, the bad and the ugly. During the session, we update the list regularly, so go to our hotbills page to see what’s new.

Wolves

Last Friday, Fish and Game officials updated the Senate Natural Resources Committee on the management of wolves. On February 28, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to announce that wolves are fully recovered, no longer need protection under the Endangered Species Act and can be managed by states. The State of Idaho is ready for a hunting season on wolves this fall, but national conservation groups will likely litigate the delisting.

In the meantime, a new rule will be out on February 25 making it easier to kill wolves while they are protected by the Endangered Species Act. The new rule will allow Fish and Game to kill wolves if they are just one of the causes of reduced elk numbers.

Grizzlies

A bill was printed that creates a penalty for illegal killing, possession or disposal of grizzly bears. We are supportive of this bill, which is sponsored by Fish and Game.

5-Minute Action

Mark your calendar!

The Idaho Conservation League will host an open house and reception on Thursday, January 31, 5 to 8 pm, at our Boise office. The address is 710 N. 6th Street. Get to know your legislators and local elected officials, Idaho Conservation League staff and other members. Share your concerns and eat some great food!

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol

Lobbyist

Courtney Washburn, Community Conservation Director, is the Idaho Conservation League’s lobbyist this year. She will be working to cover a comprehensive range of issues that matter to you and your families. We are also prepared to defend the work we have done to hold state agencies and polluters accountable to laws designed to protect our health and the environment.

Priorities

Our priorities include funding for public transportation and protection of open space by safeguarding natural resources on private lands. We will also continue our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.

State of the State

Here are highlights from Governor Otter’s speech on the conservation front:

• Recognized Paul Kjellander as the head of the newly created Office of Energy Resources. The creation of this new cabinet-level office elevates energy issues in the state.
  
• Talked about reducing greenhouse gases by making the state’s auto fleet more efficient, getting 25 percent of Idaho’s energy from renewable energy sources by 2025, and signing Idaho up for the climate change registry.
  
• Recognized water quantity as an issue and proposed $20 million to study aquifers around the state.
  
• Mentioned a local option tax for roads, but unfortunately not funding for public transportation.

Legislative Reception

The Idaho Conservation League will host an open house and reception on Thursday, January 31, 5 to 8 pm, at our Boise office. The address is 710 N. 6th Street. Get to know your legislators and local elected officials, Idaho Conservation League staff, and other members. Share your concerns and eat some great food!

5-Minute Action

The Idaho Conservation League has started a blog. Check it out at http://blog.wildidaho.org!

Your Voice for Conservation at the Capitol is a weekly report from the Idaho Conservation League on state legislative action taken on Idaho's conservation and community health issues.

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