Energy

passed both · Idaho · House Apr 2, 2026

HJM 21: MINING – States findings of the Legislature and supports re-opening American Tungsten’s IMA mining project.

This bill is a joint memorial from the Idaho Legislature that formally requests federal support and encourages state and local agencies to approve the re-opening of American Tungsten's IMA mining project in Lemhi County. The document highlights tungsten as a critical mineral essential for national defense and argues that developing a domestic supply chain reduces reliance on foreign imports, particularly from China. It urges the U.S. Department of War to provide grant funding for the project and asks state and local governments to process necessary permits in a timely manner, noting the mine is on private land and does not require federal authorization. The memorial also emphasizes the project's potential economic benefits for Idaho communities, including job creation and infrastructure improvements like a new fire station for the city of Challis.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill supports domestic mining of critical minerals like tungsten, which strengthens energy infrastructure supply chains and reduces foreign dependence.85% confidence

Track

signed · Idaho · Senate Mar 25, 2026

S 1384: APPROPRIATIONS – PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION – Relates to the appropriation to the Public Utilities Commission for fiscal year 2027.

This bill appropriates $35,400 from the Public Utilities Commission Fund to provide additional funding for the Public Utilities Commission's capital outlay expenses during fiscal year 2027. The money is designated for the period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and is intended to support the commission's infrastructure and operational investments. The legislation includes an emergency declaration to ensure the funds take effect immediately on July 1, 2026. This measure directly affects the Public Utilities Commission by increasing its available budget for capital projects during the specified fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $35,400 to fund Public Utilities Commission capital outlay expenses, directly supporting government spending and fiscal management for essential infrastructure investments.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides funding to Public Utilities Commission for infrastructure and operational investments, supporting energy infrastructure development.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill provides $35,400 funding to Public Utilities Commission for infrastructure and operational investments, which supports transportation-related infrastructure and utilities.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations

in committee · Idaho · House Mar 25, 2026

H 943: TAXATION – Adds to existing law to provide certain tax and other incentives to entities that build new pipelines in Idaho.

This bill creates a new tax incentive program to encourage companies to build new oil and gas pipelines into Idaho, aiming to improve the state's energy supply security. It defines "strategic pipeline infrastructure projects" as new pipelines crossing from another state or nation into Idaho with at least $50 million in investment, excluding replacements of existing lines. Developers qualifying for the program would receive a 35% income tax credit on revenue generated by the pipeline, along with exemptions from property taxes and sales taxes on equipment used in construction. The bill also provides regulatory relief by exempting these projects from additional state permitting requirements and requiring state agencies to expedite federal review processes where applicable. These incentives are set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and apply only to projects that deliver crude oil or refined petroleum products to Idaho customers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax incentives and credits to encourage pipeline development, reducing tax burden for qualifying entities and promoting energy infrastructure investment.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides tax incentives for new pipeline infrastructure to improve energy supply security and attract investment in energy development.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill incentivizes new oil and gas pipelines, which typically increase fossil fuel extraction and associated environmental impacts like pollution and habitat disruption.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Tax Incentives Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

Track

passed both · Idaho · House Mar 30, 2026

HCR 32: ENERGY – States findings of the Legislature and supports advancement of state energy sovereignty.

This concurrent resolution expresses the Idaho Legislature's support for state energy sovereignty and establishes guidelines for evaluating energy infrastructure projects. It requires that major transmission projects demonstrate clear, measurable benefits to Idaho ratepayers before approval or cost allocation is permitted. The bill prioritizes secure, dispatchable energy sources like nuclear, hydroelectric, geothermal, and natural gas generation while protecting agricultural land, water resources, and private property rights. It also directs state agencies to ensure utility participation in interstate energy markets does not compromise Idaho's energy security or local interests.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly supports state energy sovereignty and prioritizes secure, dispatchable energy sources including nuclear, hydroelectric, geothermal, and natural gas while protecting ratepayers.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prioritizes secure, dispatchable energy sources and protects agricultural land and water resources, indicating environmental protection intent.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Hydroelectric Transmission

Track

passed both · Idaho · House Apr 2, 2026

H 897: TAXATION – Amends existing law to revise a sales tax exemption for data center equipment and to revise a certain property tax exemption for certain capital investments.

This bill modifies Idaho's tax exemptions for data center operations, extending a sales tax exemption for data center equipment and revising property tax rules for capital investments. It requires businesses to invest at least $250 million in data center facilities and create 30 new full-time jobs within specific timeframes to qualify for the exemptions. The legislation also introduces new requirements for companies starting construction on or after April 1, 2026, including electricity rate agreements and water consumption planning with local providers. Businesses that fail to meet these investment and job creation requirements must pay the taxes that would have otherwise been owed.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax exemptions for data center investments, promoting economic development and job creation through fiscal incentives.75% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill incentivizes data center development through tax exemptions, requiring significant capital investment and job creation, which supports energy infrastructure and electricity demand.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill provides tax incentives for data center investments, promoting technology infrastructure development and economic growth in the tech sector.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Sales Tax Tax Incentives

Track

signed · Idaho · House Apr 2, 2026

H 965: APPROPRIATIONS – SMEC & ISHS – Relates to the appropriation to the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination and the Idaho State Historical Society for fiscal year 2027.

This bill adjusts funding and staffing levels for two Idaho state agencies for fiscal year 2027. It increases money and authorized positions for the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination while reducing both funding and staff positions for the Idaho State Historical Society by the same amount. The legislation also allows the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination to move money between different budget categories without restrictions. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026, and the bill was signed into law by the Governor.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates funds to state agencies, including increased funding for Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination, directly supporting budget and appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill increases funding and staffing for Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination, which directly supports energy-related activities and coordination.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations

signed · Idaho · Senate Mar 26, 2026

S 1303: ENERGY RESOURCES FUND – Amends existing law to revise the name of a fund and to revise a definition.

This bill (S 1303) renames the "Renewable Energy Resources Fund" to the "Energy Resources Fund" and updates the definition of "renewable energy resources" to specifically include geothermal, wind, and solar power. It does not change how funds are distributed - 10% of federal renewable energy revenue still goes to counties for roads/schools, while 90% continues to flow into the fund. The change is purely technical, clarifying which energy sources qualify under the fund's definition. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly expands fund definition to include geothermal, wind, and solar power, directly advancing renewable energy coverage without altering funding structure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

signed · Idaho · House Mar 24, 2026

H 734: TAXATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the allocation of certain tax revenue.

H 734 revises how Idaho allocates tax revenue from renewable energy producers (wind, solar, and geothermal). It requires these producers to file annual earnings statements with the State Tax Commission, which then calculates each county's share based on the proportion of the producer's property cost located within that county. The Commission further apportions the tax among local taxing units (like school districts) using a weighted formula based on property value and prior year tax rates. This bill directly affects renewable energy companies and local governments receiving tax funds, with retroactive application starting January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill allocates tax revenue from renewable energy producers (wind/solar/geothermal) via county-based formula, supporting infrastructure management and revenue distribution for renewables.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

signed · Idaho · House Mar 20, 2026

H 676: GEOTHERMAL – Amends existing law to provide for the municipal use of geothermal water.

H 676 amends Idaho water law to explicitly allow municipalities to secure rights for geothermal water used in heating and cooling systems. It requires municipal applicants to provide detailed documentation on where and how low-temperature geothermal water will be injected back into the ground after use. This update revises application rules and definitions to accommodate geothermal projects while ensuring environmental compliance. The bill passed the Idaho House of Representatives in February 2026 with strong bipartisan support.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEnables municipal geothermal heating/cooling systems, advancing renewable energy infrastructure under Idaho water law with environmental safeguards.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires environmental compliance via groundwater reinjection for geothermal projects, promoting renewable energy use while preventing pollution per bill's explicit environmental safeguards.90% confidence

in committee · Idaho · House Feb 11, 2026

H 612: SOLAR – Amends and adds to existing law to exempt portable solar generators from public utilities.

H 612 exempts small portable solar generators (under 1,200 watts) from utility regulations in Idaho. Homeowners using these devices won’t need utility approval, pay fees for grid connection, or install extra equipment. The law defines portable solar as certified devices connected via standard outlets to offset household electricity use. It explicitly removes such devices from the definition of "public utility" under Idaho law and clarifies they’re excluded from related rules. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts small portable solar generators from utility regulations, removing barriers for residential renewable energy adoption under Idaho law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

Track