Committee agrees to study proposal restricting out-of-state or foreign ownership of transmission lines

The Idaho House Ways and Means Committee voted to introduce RS32685, a study request to examine ownership of electrical transmission facilities in Idaho by out-of-state entities and foreign governments.

Representative John Gannon, District 17, told the committee RS32685 "deals with the ownership, by out of state, entities, and particularly out of state governments as well as foreign governments of electrical transmission facilities and lines in Idaho." He said the measure would allow the Legislature and relevant agencies to consider whether control over transmission should rest with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, the Legislature, or be left to out-of-state owners.

Committee members pressed for clarification of terms and scope. Representative Kiely asked how the term "regional" in the intent language would be defined. Gannon said the bill currently contemplates Idaho and the Idaho region and acknowledged the language could be clarified to reference Idaho or "state" if the committee preferred. Representative Achilles asked how the Bonneville Power Administration and its transmission network would factor into any restriction; Gannon said section 1 "does not apply to Idaho based utilities or businesses from entering into contractual relationships for energy transmission with out of state entities," indicating the draft did not bar contractual relationships.

Gannon referenced the Southwest Intertie Project as an example of a regional project that motivated the request. Members signaled the bill would require deeper committee discussion; at one point Representative Achilles "moved to print" the measure to allow further work.

The committee introduced RS32685 by voice vote; members did not record a roll-call tally at the meeting. No statutory language was adopted at this session; the request was advanced for additional committee consideration.