Senate rejects SB 11-91, a $481,000 enhancement for Office of Energy and Mineral Resources

Senate Bill 11-91, an enhancement appropriation request for the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, failed on the Senate floor on March 28, 2025. Sponsor Senator Woodward framed the request as $481,000 total — $311,000 ongoing and $170,000 one-time — plus one additional full-time employee to provide a single point of contact to facilitate permitting and to support business development in Idaho.

Floor debate was prolonged and substantive. Senator Ward Engelking said she was disappointed that a previously proposed $25 million in pass-through grants (intended for energy-efficiency assistance to seniors, veterans and people with disabilities) had been removed, arguing that the funds would have benefited Idaho residents. Opponents described the appropriation as an “enhancement” and argued that it represented expansion of government and that federal funding had strings attached; supporters said the request would help businesses navigate permitting and relied on letters of support from mining interests and Idaho National Laboratory.

Several senators asked whether dedicated funds could cover the request; Senator Woodward responded that no compliant dedicated funds were available, so the sponsor shifted to a general-fund request. The final roll-call result was 9 in favor and 26 opposed; Senate Bill 11-91 failed and will be retained in the office of the senate secretary.

The transcript records named speakers on both sides and several senators asking clarifying questions about funding sources, the new council referenced in the bill, and alternatives to a general-fund enhancement. The floor record does not show any amendments adopted.