IDAHO

Mar 4 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Jared S. Hopkins The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho

The Senate Resources and Conservation Committee voted 6 to 3 on Monday in favor of a resolution that would ask two state agencies to submit a report on climate change to the Legislature, with support from GOP senators split over the controversial subject matter.

The resolution would begin addressing two parts of the Idaho Energy Plan adopted last year. The Office of Energy Resources and Department of Environmental Quality would together prepare recommendations if Idaho were to enter greenhouse gas regulation, and also place high priority on developing conservation and renewable resources in Idaho. The report would be submitted to an interim energy task force.

Sen. Kate Kelly, D-Boise, told the committee Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter recently formed the new office and its responsibilities include the resolution's requests. She said that other Western states have policies that encourage renewable resources, and that Idaho will miss out on opportunities.

"This is just pulling together things that are already being done," she said.

Rep. Sharon Block, R-Twin Falls, a co-sponsor, told the committee that Idaho's value lies in natural resources, and that the resolution will bring to light more economic opportunities.

"Idaho is rich with geothermal potential, one of the best in the nation. Geothermal is Idaho's oil," she said. "Gentlemen, there's a new gold rush on the horizon, and we in Idaho have the gold."

Still, resistance came from the three Republican senators who opposed the measure when it was introduced last month.

Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert -- who when the legislation was introduced questioned whether global warming was a "factor" in climate change -- questioned the bill presented as not having a fiscal impact.

"I don't think anyone does anything in government for free," said Cameron, co-chairman of the state's joint budgeting panel.

Sen. Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton, said he wondered if the study would mean too much government affecting the economy, and said that ethanol plants receive tax breaks.

"They were barely functional with $4 corn and now we have $10 corn," he said. "I wonder if the market wouldn't be better served than if government just kept out of the way.

DEQDirector Toni Hardesty said the agency is currently tracking how other states operate to stay aware, aims to reduce energy consumption and improve air quality, and senses momentum is building to regulate greenhouse gas emission.

"I'm certainly not the person to stand up and debate the science of climate change," she said. "What I can say to you is that when you look at the actions we're taking on the executive branch side, there are so many co-benefits associated."

Jared S. Hopkins may be reached at 420-8371 or jhopkins@magicvalley.com