Measure Would Put Legislature On Record As Opposing Deregulation

A state Senate committee has narrowly passed a resolution asking the Legislature to defend Idaho’s cheap hydroelectric power and to research renewable resources, such as solar power.

The Senate Resources and Environment Committee on Monday passed a concurrent resolution that asks the Legislature to write to Idaho’s congressional delegates stating its opposition to deregulation of the electric utility industry.

The resolution also asks an interim committee studying deregulation to solicit public comment in each part of the state and recommend a comprehensive energy policy that preserves low electricity costs, protects the environment and maintains a reliable delivery of electricity.

The resolution was co-sponsored by Democratic Sens. Clint Stennett of Ketchum and Lin Whitworth of Inkom.

Stennett said he wants the Legislature on the record as opposing deregulation, which could raise power rates for most ratepayers.

Mark Lipscomb of Idaho United, a political action committee, said the resolution would encourage the public to participate in a debate weighted heavily in favor of special interests that would benefit from deregulation.

“We were very concerned that there be public input,” Lipscomb said.

The Legislature is expected to debate three bills that would set up legal frameworks for the state in case deregulation is mandated by Congress.