WHEREAS, it is the policy of Idaho to utilize to the fullest extent possible the natural resources we possess to increase our energy supply and diversity in an economically efficient and friendly 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; and
 

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

        WHEREAS, multiple agencies, authorities, and information sources are used to implement a wide variety of renewable energy programs in Idaho;
 

        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 (the Council) as a joint effort between local, tribal, state, and federal governments, as well as the profit and not-for-profit private sectors. The purpose of the Council is to foster coordinated approaches that support the 25 x ’25 initiative for Idaho’s agricultural and forestry sectors to produce 25 percent of the state’s energy requirements from renewable sources by the year 2025.
 

        2. The Council’s responsibilities shall be:
 

                A. To provide policy level direction and planning for increasing the state’s production of  renewable energy from agricultural and forestry sources.
                B. To improve cooperation, collaboration and information sharing among the state’s 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 which the agricultural and forestry sectors can make as producers of energy.
                E. To consider ways to increase production of renewable energy in Idaho.
 

        3. 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;
                F. Idaho Transportation Department; and
                G. Office of Energy Resources.
 

        4. Representatives and members of federal entities, 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.
 

        5. Additional members may be added by the Governor.
 

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

        7. The Council shall meet no less than twice annually. The chairman of the council shall be the administrator of the Office of Energy Resources or his representative.
 

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

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 14th day of December in the year of our Lord two thousand and seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-second and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred eighteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE