HCR 032: Energy Sovereignty or Energy Constraint? (2026)

Summary: Affirms legislative support for “energy sovereignty,” expresses a preference for in-state dispatchable generation such as nuclear, hydropower, geothermal, and natural gas, and directs regulators to prioritize these principles when evaluating energy development and transmission projects.

ICL’s Position: Oppose

Current Bill Status: Committee - House Environment, Energy & Technology

Issue Areas: Energy, Climate, Utilities

House Concurrent Resolution 32, introduced by Representative David Leavitt (R-District 25), risks increasing costs for Idaho electricity customers by favoring certain types of generation over others and discouraging the least-cost resources available to utilities.

The resolution affirms the Idaho Legislature’s support for “energy sovereignty” and emphasizes the importance of secure, in-state, dispatchable base load generation. It specifically expresses a preference for nuclear, hydropower, geothermal, and natural gas while stating that imported energy should supplement rather than replace in-state generation. The resolution also states that major transmission projects should demonstrate a clear, measurable benefit to Idaho ratepayers before approval or cost recovery, and it directs that these principles guide permitting, transmission siting decisions, and regulatory oversight by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.

Idaho utilities are currently required to meet electricity demand using a least-cost, least-risk planning process overseen by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. By signaling a legislative preference for specific generation technologies and emphasizing only “dispatchable base load” power, the resolution could constrain utilities’ ability to select the most affordable and flexible energy portfolio. Limiting access to lower-cost resources such as wind or solar available through regional markets, or discouraging transmission investments that expand energy options, could ultimately lead to higher power bills for Idaho households, farms, and businesses.

The resolution also raises concerns about Idaho’s ability to respond to the growing risks of climate change. Electricity generation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and reducing those emissions requires expanding a wide range of cleaner energy resources and modernizing the grid. Policies that discourage access to emerging energy technologies or regional transmission networks could slow progress toward a cleaner and more resilient power system. For these reasons, ICL believes Idaho should maintain technology-neutral energy policies that prioritize affordability, reliability, and the rapid reduction of climate-warming pollution.