WHEREAS, agriculture and forestry are an important part of Idaho’s economy and heritage; and

            WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State of Idaho to utilize the natural resources of our State to increase our energy supply in an economically efficient and prudent manner; and

            WHEREAS, the presence of an affordable, reliable and plentiful energy supply is critical for our state and national economy; and

            WHEREAS, the development of renewable energy sources, including but not limited to bio-diesel, biomass, ethanol, methane digesters, wind power and solar, would be beneficial to farmers and rural communities by establishing additional markets for agricultural commodities, creating added-value for crop and livestock products and creating new job opportunities for Idahoans; and

            WHEREAS, Idaho’s farms, ranches and forests can help Idaho and the nation to lessen dependence on foreign oil; and

            WHEREAS, to this end, it is the goal of the State of Idaho that 25% of Idaho’s energy needs be provided through renewable sources by the year 2025 from our farm, ranch, timber and other working lands, while continuing to produce abundant, safe and affordable agricultural products;

            NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, by the authority vested in me under the Constitution and the laws of the State of Idaho do hereby order the following:

1.     The establishment of Idaho 25 x ’25 Renewable Energy Council (Council) as a cooperative effort between local, tribal, State and federal governments, as well as the for profit and not-for-profit private sectors.

2.     The purpose of the Council is to develop coordinated approaches that support the 25 x ’25 initiative for Idaho’s agricultural and forestry sectors to produce 25% of the State’s energy requirements from renewable sources by the year 2025.

3.         The Council’s responsibilities shall be: 

A.     To provide policy direction and planning aimed at increasing the State of Idaho’s infrastructure for production of renewable energy from agricultural and forestry sources.

B.      To improve cooperation, collaboration and information sharing among public and private sector entities in the area of renewable energy.

C.     To participate in and support the 25 x ’25 Work Group.

D.     To further explore and define the overarching contribution agricultural and forestry sectors can make as renewable energy producers.

E.     To seek out new and innovative means to increase production of renewable energy in Idaho.

4.     Membership shall include a representative from the Office of the Governor and the directors of the following State entities or their designees:

A.     Department of Agriculture

B.      Department of Environmental Quality

C.     Department of Lands

D.     Department of Water Resources

E.     Department of Commerce and Labor

F.     Idaho Transportation Department

 5.     Representatives and members of federal government, local government organizations, tribal governments, Idaho universities and private and not-for-profit organizations with an interest in the energy future of Idaho pertaining to renewable energy will be encouraged to participate.

    6.     Council members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

7.     Additional members may be added by the Governor at any time.

8.     The Council shall meet at least twice annually.  The chairman of the Council shall be the director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture or her representative.

9.     The Council shall submit a report of its activities to the Governor and the Legislature annually.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE