Your Voice for Conservation

From: Idaho Conservation League
Date: Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 2:02 PM

Friday, March 11, 2011
Volume 15, Issue 9

Dear Peace,

Thank you for joining us last night at our annual legislative reception! It was a great night during a tough legislative session.

Off-road Vehicles (ORVs)
On Monday at 1:30, the Senate Resources and Environment Committee will hold hearings on three pieces of legislation relating to off-road vehicles. Senate Bills 1015 and 1016 would strip Idaho Fish and Game of the ability to provide traditional, non-motorized hunting opportunities. Thanks to your help, opposition to these bills in letters and e-mails to our legislators is about four-to-one!

A new third bill SB 1159 would also restrict Idaho Fish and Game from entering into partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service to enforce off-road vehicle laws. With your help, we can continue to let the committee know that these bills are bad for wildlife and bad for those of us seeking to hunt by traditional means!

Take a minute to help us protect sensitive habitats and traditional hunting opportunities by contacting legislators. Take action today!

Elk, Deer and Moose
SB 1085 puts Idaho’s wild elk, deer and moose at risk. This bill would weaken the testing requirements for Chronic Wasting Disease. Similar to Mad Cow Disease, this devastating disorder is always fatal and there is no cure. Experts warn that game farms can be breeding grounds for this disease. Please take action today to stop this bad bill! The hearing is Tuesday, March 15 at 8 am in the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee.

Wind
The issue of wind energy projects is at the center of a heated policy debate. A bill was introduced to extend tax rebates for wind projects and other renewable energy projects like geothermal and biomass while at the same time a bill was introduced to put a moratorium on wind projects. We support clean and sustainable energy projects and the associated incentives as long as the project limits greenhouse gas emissions and has minimal impact to Idaho’s natural resources.

Right to Farm
Unfortunately, HB 210 was passed by the House 57-11 and is headed to the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee. We oppose this bill because it would allow agricultural facilities and operations to do what they want when they want, regardless of the effects of their activities. Check out the Eye On Boise blog.

Look for more news next week!