Posted: Feb 15, 2005  10:02

After much negotiation with the Idaho Conservation League, Power companies and other legislators, I am prepared to introduce a bill that would create more oversight into the energy facility plants around the State.

This bill requires an energy facility to pass the scrutiny of the State of Idaho before it can be built or expanded. This would ensure that energy facilities are built with consideration for its neighbors and communities, as well as the environment. As it is now, a power company can expand or build a new energy facility without any consideration for the interests of the State of Idaho. The decision is left to local government without regards to individuals downwind. This measure if passed will give the State a say in locating the coal-fire plant slated for construction in the Magic Valley.

Also on the agenda this week is my bill that would permit citizens to speak to County Commissioners regarding Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) in their communities. If passed, this bill would remove the current "one-mile limit" in the statute, which restricts public input to property owners who live within a mile of the proposed CAFO. My bill recognizes that CAFOs can affect the whole community, not just the nearest neighbors. The public certainly deserves the avenue to express their concerns about CAFOs to those who have authority over them.

I will also be working to make nutrient management plans open to the public. Nutrient management plans report how much manure a producer is putting on the land. Currently, producers are required to give these plans to the Agriculture Department, but the Department has sometimes refused to release these to the public. Manure can release nitrates that can seep into groundwater; this can adversely affect the public's health, and I believe the public has the right to review these plans. In 2001, I wrote the bill that developed the requirement that dairies develop nutrient management plans. I think that law is clear that the public has a right to review these plans. This bill clears up any ambiguity the Department may have.

I will introduce a bill that would enable conservation groups to rent water to provide for in-stream flows for the benefit of fish, wildlife and river health. Currently, there is no legal authority to ensure that water rented by conservation organizations is left in our streams and rivers. This bill would build partnerships between ranchers who want to rent their water and conservationist who want to keep adequate water levels in our rivers and streams. As an ancillary benefit, this measure would also provide for recharge from our rivers and streams into our overstretched Snake River Plan Aquifer.

Last summer, I was contacted by numerous veterans who expressed their dismay over the current smoking ban in their home. When a public facility is also a residence, as it is for many veterans, they should be allowed to smoke inside, provided it does not disturb the other residents. This was the case for veterans. I introduced a bill in the first week of the session to correct this problem. I withdrew this bill because I agreed to support a competing measure. This week the Senate voted unanimously on that measure to permit smoking in Veteran homes, and it is now in the House for consideration. This is an excellent example of the influence of communication between Idahoans and their government. We listened and were able to correct our oversight as quickly as possible.

As always, I welcome any suggestions, or comments you have to offer. It is my honor to serve District 25. I can be reached by calling (208) 332-1000 or toll-free 1-800-626-0471, via email at Clint Stennett, or by mail to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720.