To say there’s a dynamic political environment in America and in the Idaho Statehouse right now would be a remarkable understatement. It’s easy to understand why the Idaho Conservation League and our partners would feel beaten down and depressed. You might feel that way too?
It’s active on ALL fronts. Arguably, things have never been so hot. At the national and international level, there seems to be more instability than ever. The only consistent themes are turbulence and upset. What’s true one day appears false the next. It’s enough for some to tune it all out.
But you know it. And I know it. There’s never been a more important time to be engaged.
That’s why we’re glad you’re here.
And we’re pretty sure that you’re glad that we’re here…right?
The session is taking a toll. In the last week, I’ve blown through a front tire on my bike, along with a shoelace on my wingtips. To boot, Cynthia (ICL’s Legislative Associate) has been recouping from a case of the crud, and I caught a mild version that slowed me to 90% for a day (no one seemed to notice).
Aside from the physical demands of serving as Your Voice for Conservation, the action in the Idaho Statehouse has also left us feeling pretty down too. The legislature, and the House of Representatives in particular, is attacking wildlife, public lands, renewable energy, public health, citizen initiative rights, legal rights, and they’re disregarding the Idaho Constitution. Check out the bill tracker for more info.
ICL will be testifying in opposition to the Chemical Corporate Immunity Bill, a Gangsta’ Anti-Renewable Bill, and a Wildlife Detention Bill. And that’s just what’s on deck for the first half of the week.
But remember what “Bluto” (John Belushi) said in Animal House? “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” And recall former Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi:
“It’s not whether you got knocked down; it’s whether you get back up.”
And as Nelson Mandela languished in a jail cell smeared with the stench of apartheid, he didn’t wither. He wasn’t vengeful and embittered upon his release from 27 years of injustice. Instead, he steered a nation on a winding, and yet-unfinished path leading toward truth and reconciliation. He reminded us all “the greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
So, ICL will get knocked down. Will you help us get back up?
The going’s tough, ICL is getting going. Are you with us?
There are two things that I’d like that to change: many of the subscribers to this weekly newsletter aren’t members of ICL. And many of our members have never taken action. It changes with you.
Whether you can donate $3.13 for my new shoelaces, $11.46 for a new innertube, $50 for a full ICL membership, $96.60 for a pesticide-related Public Records Request, or $1,000 to make a BIG DIFFERENCE, the time is now. Join us! Alternatively, Take Action! We’ve got several to choose from: Here (pesticides), Here (wildlife), or Here (public lands)?
Every day ICL is all-hands-on-deck to protect the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the lands and wildlife you love.
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward” – Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
ICL’s Voice is needed. Your Voice is needed.
Corporate Chemical Manufacturers Immunity Bill threatens public health
Imagine a world where the most dangerous products that are toxic, caustic, and require a state or federal warning label were immune from any claims of damage. That’s what the Idaho Legislature is considering with House Bill 303.
Drafted by corporate multinational chemical giants Bayer and Syngenta/ChemChina, the bill seeks to limit consumers and citizens from holding the manufacturers accountable if their products cause harm.
According to recent polling, 90% of Idahoans oppose the idea, and even some agricultural voices are reviewing the bill closely to evaluate whether it may be too expansive.
We expect to learn more at the hearing on Tuesday and encourage you to learn more and take action against this dangerous bill today!
Federal Budget decisions and job cuts impact Idaho
While discussion about federal job terminations has dominated headlines in DC, Idaho, and all points in between as Elon Musk and his DOGE team trim federal staff, big decisions on the federal budget loom large on the horizon. The impacts of those decisions in DC will be felt in Idaho in the coming weeks and months. You see, Idaho relied on the federal government for about 37% of our overall state budget, and it’s pegged at 39% for FY2026.
If the federal budget isn’t funded, neither is Idaho’s.
Current federal funding is scheduled to expire on March 14 if Congress and the President don’t agree, turning the spigots off.
Idaho is still taking stock of the impact on numerous federal job terminations. Last week, Gov. Brad Little offered few words of encouragement when his response to questioning on the impacts of job losses and other shakeups on the horizon was “we’ll be fine.”
We hope he’s right, but we’re not so sure…
Renewables in the crosshairs
Following the public blowback against the Lava Ridge wind energy project near Twin Falls, the Idaho Legislature has been on an absolute warpath seeking to kill the potential for renewable investments in Idaho.
Problem is that each and every electric utility is planning for significant growth in the renewable energy sector. And for good reason: renewable energy represents the lower cost, lowest risk option for utilities AND for Idaho consumers.
Natural gas and coal-fired power are bad bets for Idaho. That’s why utilities are planning to, and already are investing in wind and solar. It’s not because they found an environmental conscience, and it’s not because former President Obama had a windmill on his logo.
Under Idaho law, utilities need to make decisions based on consumer-interest and based on the lowest risk. Sadly, Rep. Jeff Ehlers (R-Meridian) doesn’t seem to understand, and has instead introduced a bill seeking to penalize wind projects with an excise tax of up to $15 million PER WINDMILL! Rep. Ted Hill (R-Eagle) referred to it as a “going gangsta” on wind farms before voting to send it to the Floor with a “Do Pass” recommendation. I’m still trying to find anyone in Idaho who wakes up asking “How can I pay more for my electricity today?”
Wildlife Detention Bill awaits hearing
ICL is concerned with House Bill 302, from Rep. Doug Pickett (R-Oakley). It would require the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) to notify the county commissioners and any affected ranchers, landowners, or lessees about proposed wildlife relocation efforts near their property.
The bill requires a 30-day waiting period if anyone requests a hearing before the county commission, along with approval from the commission before the animal(s) could be relocated. Such notification, hearing, and approval would be required for each relocation effort.
That means that two county commissioners could block any wildlife relocation or reintroduction efforts in their counties, forcing Idaho’s wildlife professionals to detain wildlife for extended periods.
One of our biggest concerns is that instead of detaining animals, the more likely outcome is that IDFG would simply dispatch animals that were causing conflicts, instead of relocating them. Talk about a lose/lose. Take Action to oppose this anti-wildlife bill!
Cynthia’s Corner 
Many wonder whether testifying before a legislative committee is worth the effort. As I think back over the years of testifying at the statehouse and how those efforts turned out, I would say unequivocally that YES, it is absolutely worth it!
Standing up to speak the truth is not only our right as citizens, it’s also the right thing to do.
ICL sometimes holds the minority at the statehouse. But this never stops us from making our case to those who hold power. And If we didn’t speak up, often no one would.
I’ve attended plenty of hearings where no one voiced opposition and a bad bill sailed through and became law before anyone realized what had happened. This is not how the process should work.
While testimony is often limited to two minutes, it is critical that all sides of an issue are heard and that the debate is informed by committee questions. Oftentimes, legislators’ minds are already made up before the hearings start. But sometimes minds can be changed, surprises can happen, and it is always valuable to be on record about a topic you care about.
Tie of the week! 
Ever since our start in 1973, the Idaho Conservation League has been delivering people-powered activism in the Idaho Statehouse. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve stuck with it through the years. And there’s one reason for that…You’ve stuck with us through the years.
Whether it’s Idaho’s wild rivers, our soaring mountain peaks, the health of our children, a habitable planet for our grandchildren to live on, ICL works to protect it all!
But we can’t do it alone. Take Action for the issues you care about! Plug In!
Speaking of plugging in, thanks to our friends at Renewable Northwest for a great reception last week, where they shone some light on the unsung potential of clean energy in Idaho. We look forward to expanding renewable energy in Idaho, and we need you to plug in to support our work!
Until next week…Esto Perpetua,
Jonathan