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 while protecting the integrity of our state’s resources; 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 and/or sustainable energy sources, including but not limited to bio-diesel, biomass, ethanol, methane digesters, wind power and solar, would be beneficial to farmers, rural communities and the state as a whole by establishing additional markets, creating diverse and sustainable forms of energy, and  creating new job opportunities for Idahoans; and

             WHEREAS, Idaho’s energy resources 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 percent of Idaho’s energy needs be provided through renewable and/or sustainable Idaho-based energy sources by the year 2025;

             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 the Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance as a joint effort between local, tribal, State and federal governments, as well as the for profit and not-for-profit private sectors. The purpose of the Alliance is to enable the development of a sound energy portfolio for Idaho that includes diverse energy resources and production methods, that provides the highest value to the citizens of Idaho, that ensures quality stewardship of environmental resources, and that functions as an effective, secure, and stable energy supply.

 2.      The  responsibilities of the Alliance shall be:

A.     To provide policy direction and planning through an overseeing Council that is aimed at increasing the State of Idaho’s production of renewable and sustainable energy.

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

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

3.     Membership of the Council 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

G.     Office of Energy Resources

4.     The Council shall engage representatives and members of federal government, local government organizations, tribal governments, Idaho universities, private, and not-for-profit organizations having an interest in the energy future of Idaho pertaining to renewable or sustainable energy, and who can bring the expertise and resources to create a successful Alliance.

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

6.    The Council shall meet at least twice annually.  The chairman of the Council shall be the administrator of the Office of Energy Resources or his representative.

 7.     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 in Boise on this 6^th day of February in the year of our Lord two thousand and nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-third and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred nineteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE