We’re One Week Down!

We’re one week in, and the legislative session is officially underway. Between the Governor’s State of the State, a tense mood in the Capitol, and anticipation of what’s ahead, we’re on full alert. This work isn’t easy, but as your voice for conservation, we’re grateful to have ICL members standing with us—thank you.

State of the State, Budget and general mood

Legislative Session Week One began in typical fashion with the Governor’s State of the State address on Monday. While the speech was somewhat light on details, it set the tone for the next three months. The budget was front and center as tax cuts have been the norm in recent years and Idahoans knew they would pay for them eventually. Typically, ICL doesn’t anticipate budget shortfalls playing a major role in our legislative work. 

Overall, the first week was quiet in terms of public action, but there was a noticeable tension under the surface. With little formal activity yet, it feels like pressure is building inside the Statehouse as lawmakers anticipate a busier pace next week. That said, budget pressure may still heighten tensions between legislators and could lead to flare-ups in committee discussions as the session moves forward.

Changes inside the House

Adding to the nervousness at the Statehouse were last-minute leadership changes in the House following federal appointments from the Trump Administration. These changes prompted reshuffling on several significant committees, including JFAC and House Agricultural Affairs. Both committees could play key roles in ICL’s work this session. Because committee chairs largely control agendas and determine which bills receive hearings, we will be monitoring these committees closely.

Key themes from the Governor

One hopeful note from the Governor’s address was his emphasis on public lands and outdoor recreation. He stated, “We’re also delivering a better quality of life for our people through joint efforts to expand access to outdoor recreation because Idahoans cherish and protect our public lands.” Whether this signals a firm stance against continued threats to public lands—or support for legislation to protect them this session—remains to be seen, but it was an encouraging acknowledgment of an issue important to 96% of Idahoans.

The Governor also highlighted Idaho’s “energy dominance,” with particular emphasis on nuclear energy research and innovation. This aligns with growing conversations around meeting future energy demands, including those driven by data centers, as well as the misconception that Idaho exports most of its power. In reality, Idaho imports roughly 30–35% of its energy each year. Despite multiple conversations with legislators, there is still no clear direction on where energy legislation may head during the 2026 session.

Early conversations and ICL’s role

In early discussions with lawmakers, we heard renewed enthusiasm from some about rebuilding the Teton Dam. In response, ICL shared data outlining lower-cost alternatives that would place water closer to where farmers actually need it. This information was well received and appears to have helped shift some of the conversation toward more practical, cost-effective solutions.

Bills and what to expect next

As is typical, the first week of the session was slow, with most committees holding only organizational meetings. Eight bills were introduced during week one, none of which raise immediate concerns for ICL. Still, we review every bill carefully to ensure nothing hidden threatens what we care about—clean air, clean water, abundant wildlife, and public lands. We expect week two will be very different, as we expect the pace to pick up with plenty more to monitor in the coming weeks.

Alex’s Analysis:

Last week marked my first week doing legislative work; it both exceeded and fell short of my expectations, though not in the ways I anticipated. On the surface, there was less visible action than I expected, aside from the energy in JFAC. Behind the scenes, however, the conversations I have been part of and the meetings I have attended have been far more substantive and productive than I would have expected this early in the session.

As the session continues to ramp up, this week will likely bring more activity as priorities sharpen and positions become clearer. In the midst of an uncertain and soon to be chaotic legislative environment, I encourage members to take time to further familiarize themselves with the nuances of public land management in Idaho. We are increasingly confident these issues will be central to many of the debates that unfold over the coming weeks.

Listen of the Week

Last week at the Capitol was suspiciously quiet—the kind of quiet that makes you start hearing a specific theme in your head. You know the one: slow, steady, and ominous, letting you know something big is circling just beneath the surface. That iconic soundtrack, has a way of lulling you into a false sense of calm right before the pace quickens and things get…interesting. Brace yourself—because the session is starting to pick up.