Two words describe the statehouse: Action Packed. The Governor is signing bills into law, dozens of new bills are still being introduced, JFAC (the budget committee) continues to teeter as much work remains, several budget bills are being held hostage, and there’s a 0.0% chance that they’ll wrap up this Friday, March 21 — the “target” adjournment date.
Still, there is a palpable sense of urgency in the air. Spring is springing, birds are chirping, leaves are starting to pop, and legislators are itchin’ to get home. So while the finish line isn’t yet in sight, they are rounding the final bend with lots of issues still up in the air, and a lot of proposals still up on the table.
So settle back and pour yourself a beverage, because there’s a full menu of conversation-related topics to devour.
Top of the list, we were surprised to see Senate Joint Memorial 104 introduced last week from Sen. Van Burtenshaw (R-Terreton). It asks the federal government to transfer control of the Camas National Wildlife Refuge to state control. The refuge, north of Idaho Falls, is part of a network managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and is an integral part of the fabric of America’s public lands.
The memorial raises concern over water management, which is nothing new in the drying West and in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer region in particular. What’s different about this one is the unacceptable “solution” it proposes…to transfer ownership of the refuge. ICL recognized the threat immediately and we’re working with partners across the state to raise concern. And we’re encouraging the sponsor to make some changes.
Speaking of public lands…next Saturday, March 22, ICL is co-hosting a Public Lands Rally at the Idaho Capitol at 11 a.m. If you’re concerned that our public lands, like Camas NWR, are once again in the crosshairs, know you’re not alone! Come to the Idaho Capitol and learn about what’s at stake, and what you can do to Keep Public Lands in Public Hands, once and for all!
Last week also saw a notable Cyanidation Mining Bill introduced. Not a lot of groups pay attention to cyanidation, but ICL does, because it’s important and we have concerns with the bill (see more below). Several renewable bills are also still energized, with some positive changes to the windmill-light mitigation bill. Some others, including the Gangsta Windmill Bill, appear to be dead for the year. A big Wildfire-Utility Bill appeared doused on a 16-19 Senate vote, only to be rekindled and sent to the Amending Order for some super-last minute changes. Word in the marbled halls is that it may have potential, but we’ll see if the fire gets going?
In other news, ICL testified on two troubling bills that create roadblocks for road planners and highway districts by prohibiting pedestrian safety, bike lanes, crosswalks, and other public safety improvements along our roads. Despite opposition from 100% of those who testified, including powerful testimony from moms of road victims, one of the bills was sent for amendments, and the other advanced with a “Do Pass” recommendation. If you want to safeguard local decisions over our roads and safety, Take Action Today!
Instead of taking up more of your time with the intro, here’s some of what ICL is watching…
Cyanide on the menu
Chances are you don’t wake up in the morning thinking about the super toxic poison cyanide. Last Wednesday, we didn’t have a choice. The Idaho Mining Association (IMA) and Perpetua Resources, a gold mining company seeking to mine the headwaters of the South Fork Salmon River, introduced a bill that undermines years of negotiations over rules that govern how cyanidation permits will work in Idaho.
We haven’t had a cyanide-processed gold mine permitted in Idaho for years, so Perpetua’s Stibnite Gold Project on the border of the Frank Church Wilderness near Yellow Pine would be the first. ICL worked for years on the rules to protect clean water, clean air, endangered species, and other resources and thought that we’d agreed on acceptable rules. What’s more, those rules were largely written by the IMA and Perpetua as well. They were finalized last year, but apparently they didn’t write them well enough (for the mining interests)…and now changes are in store.
There are elements of the changes that might make sense, but we do have concerns and are hopeful to see some amendments.
Wildfire — always a hot topic
Wildfire was one element that was definitely on the menu last week in the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC), where they approved wildfire funding for the coming year. The costs are growing and 2024 was a challenging year for Idaho.
The Senate Ag Committee also held a robust hearing last week from ranchers and others concerned about the growing threat of fire. There were heartbreaking and bank-breaking impacts from the 2024 fire season, when nearly 1 million acres burned in Idaho. However, we found the hearing notable for a key omission—there was no discussion of the impact of our changing climate.
Last year was the hottest year on record, since the year before, which broke the previous year’s record…etc. The last 10 years have been the hottest 10 years ever. It’s an unmistakable trend, and something we need to discuss. But it’s one thing that’s not on the menu?
The good news is that most (all?) of the job cuts at USDA, Department of Interior, and other federal agencies were reversed last week when a court ruled that Team Musk and DOGE violated the law. This hopefully means that federal fire managers will have more capacity to combat the fire season that will be here before we know it. As ICL has said, we’re better off to approach government efficiency with a scalpel, instead of a wrecking ball.
Public Lands — served three ways
Public Lands are once again in the crosshairs this year, with several bills that relate to our national forests, Bureau of Land Management lands, Wildlife Refuges, and other lands that make up a big part of our state.
The first bill, HB 389 from Rep. Judy Boyle (R-Midvale) would authorize the Idaho Governor to declare an emergency and have Idaho fight fires on federal lands. The bill ignores some key facts. First, Idaho can’t afford current firefighting costs, much less the hundreds of millions needed to fight federal fires. Second, it could upend the Idaho/Federal Agency Master Fire Agreement that was signed just a few years ago. And third, the Idaho Constitution and the Property Clause of the US Constitution appear to prohibit it.
The second bill, HB 129, is a good one, and has the support of the Associated Logging Contractors, Idaho Wildlife Federation, Potlatch, outfitters, Idaho Businesses for the Outdoors, ICL, and others. It deals with something called the Idaho Land Bank and is being shepherded in the Senate by Sen. Treg Bernt (R-Meridian). It will encourage Idaho to use the $85.5 million that’s been generated from state Land Sales, to find new lands to purchase, instead of transferring to the Stock Market. It’s awaiting a Senate amendment and we’re hopeful it’ll be served up soon.
Finally, as noted in the intro, SJM 104 would encourage the federal government to transfer title of the Camas National Wildlife Refuge to the state. It goes against our commitment in the Idaho Constitution which says, we “forever disclaim all right and title to the unappropriated public lands lying within the boundaries” of Idaho. We’ve got more info on SJM 104 on the ICL Bill Tracker, along with lots of other bills. Check ‘em all out!
Cynthia’s Corner 
One thing we often count on when reading legislation is a hidden reason behind bills. What seems mundane may actually be addressing something very specific. Or, what appears simple can create skepticism and concern among the legislative body.
For example, Jonathan mentioned the Idaho Land Bank bill which extends the amount of time Idaho has to spend its current balance in the endowment fund by three years. This makes sense because it provides additional time to find lands in Idaho to purchase. This keeps money invested in Idaho while not gambling on a topsy-turvy stock market. Additionally, it balances out Idaho’s endowment portfolio returns. However, the amount of discussion and concern surrounding this idea was extensive and surprising.
On the other hand, the transportation bills that are sold as “reducing traffic congestion or motorist travel time” are efforts to prohibit highway agencies from installing infrastructure to make Idaho’s streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. What is presented as something helpful really is more of a ploy to ensure that the only way to travel in Idaho is by car.
Tie of the week! 
It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and would you believe me if I told you my name was originally O’ppenheimer? No, I wouldn’t believe it either.
But I am half Irish, I swear, and last fall I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland, visiting the town where my grandmother was born near Malin Head in the far north of Donegal. It’s an enchanted isle indeed, and this week’s tie recognizes all the hardworking, industrious, and patriotic Americans who are lucky enough to recognize and celebrate their Irish heritage. We all come from somewhere, and half of me comes from Ireland. You might think of me as a “greenie” because of my work and dedication to protecting the environment, but apparently it’s in my blood. Happy St. Paddy’s Day!
Plus, we’re not quite there yet, and I don’t think this one’s ugly per se, but it’s getting close. Stay tuned for Ugly Tie Season.
Until next week…Esto Perpetua,
Jonathan