After nine weeks of legislative action, tensions are on the rise. On Friday, disputes over spending brought the budget committee to a halt, with arguments spilling into the rotunda as JFAC debated library funding. They even canceled the budget committee’s meeting today. Meanwhile, Governor Little has been busy signing bills, including a $253 million tax cut and a controversial $50 million school voucher bill. Other major outlays and tax cuts are still pending, including a $50 million grocery tax cut and a $177 million bump in state employee pay raises.
With potential changes in federal appropriations, education funding, Medicaid and farm supports, federal job cuts, workforce changes, and more on the horizon, uncertainty is the only certainty.
Agriculture is a prime example, with China responding to Trump with tariffs on agricultural products announced today. An eye-opening presentation in the legislature’s Ag Committees from the University of Idaho (UI) last month revealed what’s at stake. In 2024, Idaho’s agricultural economy saw record cash receipts of $11.3 billion, with dairy and cattle comprising 59% of that total. The majority of Idaho ag exports go to three counties, ranking in order: Canada (32% of Idaho ag exports), Mexico (21%), and China (9%) as the top destinations. However President Trump’s tariffs on these three countries, along with potential labor disruptions from immigration policies and mass deportations, put Idaho’s ag economy in limbo. And despite the widespread impacts they could have, Idaho’s US Senator Crapo blocked recent efforts to slow the tariffs. As UI Extension Economist Brett Wilder stated, “Geopolitics and trade will be front and center.” So it seems…
In the Good News department, the Pesticide and Corporate Manufacturer’s Immunity Bill seems to have stalled out (Take Action to keep it parked!), the anti-SLAPP suit bill (see below) passed the House unanimously (Hooray!), and the wildlife detention bill appears to be on hold (Take Action to keep it in a cage!). Several highway bills are in motion (mostly bad), and new bills on elections and lobbying are under consideration. Check out ICL’s Bill Tracker for updates on all this and then some!
Finally, I’m excited to share some big personal news. As some of you may know, my wife moved to Washington, D.C., last year and with our kids leaving the nest, new opportunities are on the horizon. After 23 incredible years with the Idaho Conservation League—especially the last 10 serving as your voice for conservation at the Idaho Statehouse—I have made the hard decision to leave ICL in June.
I feel immense pride in what we have all accomplished together and know that ICL will continue to thrive, and that the progress we’ve made will endure for generations to come.
This summer, I plan to spend time exploring Idaho’s forests and rivers before heading East to embrace new opportunities in the fall. Though I am leaving Idaho, my heart remains. And remember, before I was an ICL staffer I was a member just like you. I promise to continue supporting ICL in all my future endeavors, and I know you will too!
Thank you for the honor of allowing me to do this amazing work for this place we call Idaho.
With that, let’s get on to…the rest of the story.
Renewable energy projects remain in the spotlight 
One topic that’s been front and center all session: efforts to limit renewable energy projects. While there are important impacts to consider, we’re concerned the legislature is unfairly tilting the playing field.
For a change, last week we were pleased to see a positive bill advance that addresses light pollution from windmills. House Bill 146 requires new technology to be installed that only turns on flashing lights when needed as an airplane approaches. ICL was concerned that the original version was punitive, requiring near term million-dollar investments. It appears the Senate agreed, as they approved a change that would provide existing wind farms 5 years to install the new technology, allowing the costs to be incorporated into renegotiated power purchase agreements.
Citing a multitude of problems with aquifer and wildlife impacts, reclamation costs, and aesthetics, almost every Idaho elected official seems to be opposed to renewables in Idaho, even if utilities have found that renewable energy represents the Least Risk, Least Cost option for consumers.
The Idaho Conservation League (ICL) supports renewable energy projects that can limit impacts and can benefit Idaho’s energy independence, our climate, and our wallets. And we recognize the need for thorough environmental reviews and robust public participation. As Governor Little emphasized in his ‘Gone with the Wind’ Executive Order on the Lava Ridge Wind Project, state and federal agencies must ensure Idahoans’ concerns are represented in the review process. We don’t disagree, and whether it’s a wind farm, a gold mine, a new highway, timber sale or any other project, public opinion and environmental concerns must be considered.
Anti-SLAPP bill heads to Governor’s desk with near-unanimous support!
The Idaho Legislature has passed Senate Bill 1001, adding Idaho to the list of 35 states that have a legal framework to safeguard individuals’ right to freedom of speech and expression in public spaces.
It passed the House on an unanimous 70-0 vote last week, having previously passed the Senate with only one No vote from Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon (R-Rupert). Now it’s on the way to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Once signed it will protect fundamental rights by preventing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (known as SLAPP suits). As described by the Uniform Law Commission, a SLAPP’s “real purpose is to silence and intimidate the defendant from engaging in constitutionally protected activities, such as free speech.”
The most recent example in Idaho has sapped time and energy from lifetime public servants whose only crime was speaking out on a cause they believe in. Their case was filed over two years ago, and has cost the defendants dearly. It’s long past time that Idaho had an anti-SLAPP suit bill on the books and we applaud the Idaho Legislature for passing this important bill.
#IdLeg rolls over pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchairs?
Despite the fact that pedestrian and cyclist injuries are at record highs in Idaho, the legislature is seeking to restrict funding for bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, and other safety improvements.
Two bills pending in the Senate Transportation Committee seek to limit highway and bridge projects to “primarily benefit motor vehicles” with a focus on reducing traffic congestion, travel delays, engine idle time, and unproductive fuel consumption. Don’t get us wrong, those are important considerations. But the bills prevent other needed improvements and restrict local control, inexplicably, at a time when we’re seeing increased risk to pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchairs, and other road users. Check the bill trackers for SB 1140 and SB 1144 for opportunities to engage.
Cynthia’s Corner 
Before coming to ICL, I worked on walking, biking, and accessibility issues. I’m passionate about safe transportation, which includes infrastructure for people-powered travel to keep children, seniors, bicyclists and wheelchair users safe and mobile.
At ICL, we agree that transportation infrastructure should be designed to improve air quality, save taxpayer dollars, and improve our health.
Last week, two bills (SB1140 and SB1144) were introduced that intend to weaken highway districts and force them to design and build roads only for motor vehicles. These bills target Ada County, but impact all cities and highway districts statewide, if they opt to install crosswalks, bike lanes, or other public safety improvements. ICL is opposing both.
Tie of the week! 
Who you may ask is the Silent Watchman? That’s the logo on the tie. That was the name of the alarm company founded by my great grandfather, and subsequently purchased by my father Paul. This week’s tie is one of the few remaining remnants of that company that was sold nearly 40 years ago. There aren’t many similarities between Silent Watchman and ICL. We aren’t very silent, but ICL definitely IS working to protect and defend Idaho’s environment.
This week’s TOTW is dedicated to my dad, who passed away 10 years ago. His legacy of curiosity, humor, and strong spirit live on in our family. My tie is also dedicated to my entire family, who has supported and encouraged me for 23 years as I’ve worked to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the lands and wildlife we love. I couldn’t have done it without them!
Until next week…Esto Perpetua,
Jonathan