Governor Little reappoints Jeff Allen to Northwest Power and Conservation Council

The Senate Standing Committee on Resources and Environment convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss the gubernatorial appointment of Jeffrey Allen to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The meeting began with Chairman Burtonshaw introducing Allen, who is seeking reappointment to the council, a body established by Congress in 1980 to address regional power supply and environmental concerns.

Allen provided an overview of the council's history, noting its formation in response to a predicted power demand that led to significant financial failures in the region, including the largest bond default in U.S. history. He explained that the council's primary responsibilities include ensuring a reliable power supply and mitigating the environmental impacts of power generation through regional power plans and fish and wildlife programs.

During the meeting, Senator Hart inquired about Allen's qualifications for the position. Allen detailed his extensive background in natural resource policy, including his previous roles as a state director for Senator Mike Crapo and as a policy analyst for the Office of Species Conservation. He emphasized that his 25 years of experience in the field make him well-suited to represent Idaho on the council.

Senator Cook asked Allen to envision what success for the council would look like in 15 years. Allen responded that success would mean effectively predicting the region's energy needs, ensuring that infrastructure is in place, and maintaining stable energy costs for consumers, all while remaining an unobtrusive entity in the background.

The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council in balancing energy needs with environmental stewardship, as well as the significance of Allen's reappointment in continuing this work. The meeting concluded without any formal votes, but it set the stage for further consideration of Allen's appointment in the legislative process.