With the Idaho Legislature fast approaching the February 10 Bill Introduction Deadline (it’s not really a firm deadline) and the Trump Administration launching policies and executive orders at a furious pace, it’s a rather busy time to be in the government relations field, especially in Idaho. 

On Friday, ICL heard from Gov. Brad Little at the Idaho Environmental Forum, where he shared  challenges and successes related to Idaho water quantity and wildfire issues. He recognized that it’s drier, hotter, and there’s less water. But while Gov. Little, Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, and Rep. Britt Raybould (R-Rexburg) recognized the reality of climate change, none offered solutions on how to address the root causes of it. Along with the fact that this came days after Idaho leaders and the Trump Administration “spiked the ball” as they celebrated their rejection of renewable energy development in Idaho and beyond, we need to continue asking hard questions about how to tackle climate change.

The resolution of the most recent skirmish of the Eastern Snake Plain Water War was the focus of most of the discussion though, and if you’re a water warrior (like Gov. Little, Lt. Gov. Bedke, or hundreds of other Idaho decision makers and powerbrokers), I bet you’re paying attention to California. Last week, President Trump took seemingly unprecedented action when he stepped in to order significant reservoir releases in the Tule River, almost flooding farms and downstream residents in the winter, when farmers and residents can’t even use the water. When the feds usurp state water rights, Idaho and all western water users tend to pay close attention, so we’ll be interested to hear the chatter unda’ the rotunda in the coming days from well-represented water interests.

We did hear interesting discussion last week in the Senate Agriculture Committee on pesticides in groundwater (see below). And over in the Senate State Affairs Committee, a bill dealing with ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investment standards, social credit scores and Big Banks ran into some opposition from bankers and was sent to the amending order. Other BIG issues like school vouchers, tax cuts, and state employee compensation also await key votes…and there are 30 measures being introduced today, alone! That includes ones on grizzly bears and Idaho’s state public lands. It’s enough to make one dizzle, fo’ shizzle (as Snoop Dogg would say).

Speaking of public lands, two Idahoans are heading back to our nation’s capital to oversee 193 million acres of National Forests scattered across 44 states and Puerto Rico (home to El Yunque, the only National Forest tropical rainforest). This includes a whopping 38% of Idaho’s land mass. Oh, and President Trump signed an executive order to eliminate the Council on Environmental Quality’s authority, tossing aside 5 decades of environmental precedent. And while he ultimately withdrew a separate order to pause ALL federal grants and loans, which upended social, non-profit, state, and local agencies, we’re all watching to see how Trump’s new policy changes and tariffs will pan out, as our head spins on a proverbial swivel. 

As we watch it unfold at every level, we’ve got important work to do to protect the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the lands and wildlife you love…so let’s get on with it!

Pesticides get around

The issue of legal immunity for pesticide manufacturers remains in the crosshairs for large multinational chemical companies working in the statehouse. These companies have faced challenges from landscapers, farmworkers, gardeners, and neighbors who have sued over health impacts. One of the concerns is that the EPA doesn’t conduct its own safety studies, and relies on corporate science to approve pesticides. The problem is that independent scientists have found some pesticides may pose serious risks over time. In some cases the chemical companies have won, and some cases they’ve lost. Two of the biggest players are Berlin-based Bayer and Chinese-based Syngenta/ChemChina. Last month the US Department of Defense again classified Syngenta as a military-owned company. So, as crazy as it sounds, the Idaho Legislature is once again considering giving legal immunity to a company controlled by the People’s Liberation Army.

Pesticides were also on the menu in the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) shared info on their monitoring program for pesticides in groundwater around the state, and their rules were approved despite some questions from both sides of the aisle. ICL is discovering more and more each day about this important issue, and despite the assurances from ISDA that the monitoring information is available to the public, we’re having trouble finding it anywhere. This is an especially important issue, as the Centers for Disease Control found that 87% of American kids have glyphosate in their blood. Closer to home, in Canyon County, BSU researchers have similarly found concerning levels of pesticides in pregnant moms who live near agricultural operations.

Even if pesticides play an important role in agriculture, ICL will continue to watch this issue closely, because access to clean water and legal remedies play a pretty important role as well. Plus, when it comes right down to it, if any of us could choose more or less pesticide in our kids’ bloodstreams, wouldn’t we all choose less? 

Indigo Skies photography.

Who’s who & following the $$$

An important part of our work is following the money. ICL works to figure out which lobbyist is working for which client, and how much they’re spending. Luckily Idaho has pretty good Sunshine Laws that require some levels of transparency. You too can check to see how dollars are spent to influence policy in the statehouse. You can also check to see how political campaigns are funded on the Secretary of State’s website as well. One problem with the Sunshine Law is that Political Action Committee money is flowing in at unprecedented rates, and sometimes the donations aren’t reported until after the election. Secretary of State Phil McGrane is reportedly working on the issue with House Speaker Mike Moyle (R-Star). Another problem is that lobbying disclosure doesn’t apply at the local and municipal level, so lobbyists are free to wine & dine mayors, planning and zoning, and other decision makers without disclosure. It’s a problem.

Another problem is the ongoing attacks on citizen ballot initiatives that we are continuing to see this year. It’s unclear which of the four (and counting) measures may have momentum, but we’re reviewing them all to see which we’ll oppose. Some are obvious concerns like heightening already high hurdles to qualify an initiative for the ballot, and giving the Governor more veto power over an initiative compared to a law passed by the legislature. Another provides more clarity on a fiscal impact statement, which seems fine. Ultimately, they all beg the question: what’s the current problem with the initiative and referendum process? The Idaho Legislature has already made it difficult to meet the qualifications to get an issue on the ballot, and Idahoans haven’t abused the process, approving only 15 initiatives over 100+ years. One thing we do know: BIG outside moneyed interests are playing a BIG role in the discussion.  

Across the street at the Controller’s office (they hand out and track your tax dollars), Idaho Controller Brandon Woolf has taken steps to increase transparency, but there’s still work to be done at other agencies. ICL is regularly stymied as we seek public records, often facing long delays and steep fees. Nevertheless, we persist. Other useful resources include a state employee directory. Speaking of state employees, pay rates continue to stall out, and on Friday the Joint Budget Committee got high-centered, once again, on the issue of employee pay raises. They were unable to approve a raise and will wait ‘til a future date to decide this important issue. And despite the fact that we’re waiting for final state revenue projections to come in, a $253 million tax cut appears to be hurtling toward the Governor’s desk. 

Don’t Miss Our Legislative Reception!

Join ICL at our annual reception, co-hosted with Conservation Voters for Idaho, Thursday Feb. 13 at 5:30! Mix and mingle with decision makers, and learn about priorities for 2025, including important updates on public lands, clean water, wildlife, climate, ballot initiatives, and so much more. 

Cynthia’s Corner

Week four of the session brought the usual rush from legislator meetings to committee meetings as Jonathan and I worked all the channels in the Idaho Capitol. Numerous bills were introduced as legislators sped up efforts before pending deadlines.

However, my favorite day of the week was Friday when the ICL staff gathered for a quarterly All Staff Meeting to receive updates on important organizational issues. With only one month under my belt, and because I pop in and out of the office throughout each day, I haven’t had the opportunity to get to know most of my coworkers. Friday allowed me to listen to the discussions, learn more about ICL’s goals, and feel like part of the team. I met several board members later in the evening at Justin’s (ICL’s Executive Director) home for dinner, and attended the Saturday board meeting. What struck me was the engagement and passion of this group of volunteer board members. They discussed issues in depth, conducted friendly debate, and their concern of Idaho’s wild places was apparent. 

It occurred to me that under the watchful eye of ICL’s staff and board, Idaho’s water, salmon, wildlife, and wild places are protected by this team. Who knows how many hurdles we will face together in the months and years to come? There will be many, but have no doubt the great people of ICL will rise to meet those challenges head on with care, passion, and dedication.

Tie of the week!

Idaho dairies generate an estimated $10 billion a year for Idaho’s economy, along with 150 million lbs of manure each day. While the cows appear pretty happy, not everyone working in agriculture is so carefree these days. There’s a lot of angst among dairy and ag workers (and the entire ag industry) over fears of mass deportation. With an estimated 90% of the dairy workforce born overseas, and at least 50% undocumented, the collapse of the industry would affect more than the price of milk. So this week’s tie is dedicated to all the hard working Idahoans who help keep food on our tables and deal with a lot of…cow pies. 

 

Until next week…Esto Perpetua,

Jonathan