Jan 9 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Jared S. Hopkins The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho

Almost as quick as it takes a nuclear reaction to create energy, talk of nuclear energy came and went at the Idaho Legislature on Tuesday.

During an update to a joint legislative leadership committee about findings from the state's interim energy committee, co-chairman Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover, closed with the mention that the owner of a company trying to build a nuclear plant in Idaho gave the lawmakers a presentation recently.

Then, suddenly, Eskridge was finished.

The presentation came from Don Gillespie, who leads Alternate Energy Holdings, one of two companies trying to build nuclear energy plants in Idaho. Both outfits have garnered criticism from Idahoans skeptical about nuclear and Democrats who say that more state oversight is needed before such plants are built.

When asked why he didn't offer details about Gillespie to the Legislative Council or information about the proposed plan, Eskridge said there simply was not enough time. Most interim committee report updates were allowed 15 minutes.

"There wasn't a whole lot from Mr. Gillespie to go into depth," he added, noting that no legislators had even asked him any questions.

Senate President Pro Tem Bob Geddes, R-Soda Springs, pointed out at the meeting that Eskridge finished three minutes early.

Nuclear foe Peter Rickards of Twin Falls is trying to get legislation that would require a statewide ballot initiative to grant power plant permits. He and his supporters have based the wording on existing laws in Oregon and Washington.

Eskridge said that Idaho isn't ready just yet for a nuclear power plant but said that renewables, such as wind and solar power, are not enough to be long-term solutions.

"Nuclear can be an option," he said. "Nuclear is air-emission free. In terms of air, nuclear could be a viable alternative."

Still, the lack of information on Gillespie didn't matter to some lawmakers.

Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, said that he has been aware for years the benefits from the Idaho National Laboratory.

"I walked into that room comfortable with nuclear energy and I left that room comfortable with nuclear energy and aware that nuclear energy has got to be part of the solution of our state, regional and national energy needs," he said.

Rep. Bert Brackett, R-Rogerson, who sits on the House Resources and Environment Committee, declined to say whether a nuclear plant should be built but said the debate over such items is "evolving."

"It's going to be a thorough discussion both inside and outside the Legislature," said Brackett. "But that's a good thing."

Jared S. Hopkins may be reached at 631-793-5717 or jhopkins@magicvalley.com.