Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cyanidation Permitting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances cyanidation permitting bill after industry and conservation testimony
Summary
Senate Bill 1170, which revises permitting procedures for ore processing by cyanidation, was sent to the House floor with a do‑pass recommendation after proponents said the bill clarifies application and financial‑assurance steps and a conservation group raised concerns about process and wildlife/public‑health safeguards.
The House Resources and Conservation Committee voted to send Senate Bill 1170 to the House floor with a do‑pass recommendation after hearing from industry representatives and the Idaho Conservation League about changes to the state’s cyanidation permitting framework.
Benjamin Davenport, executive vice president of the Idaho Mining Association, told the committee Senate Bill 1170 “tries to address” ambiguities in the permitting process by updating code to reflect current industry practices, clarifying required engineering detail, allowing phased review by the Department of Environmental Quality, and streamlining financial‑assurance coordination with the Idaho Department of Lands. Davenport said the bill does not expand authorizations for cyanide use and does not relax environmental protections.
Jonathan Oppenheimer, government relations director for the Idaho Conservation League, said the conservation group had participated in prior negotiated rule‑making and that the association’s proposed changes amounted to a late rewrite of rules produced through a multi‑year public process. Oppenheimer said the bill appears focused on water quality and beneficial‑use protections but lacks clear language about responsibilities for public health, safety and wildlife impacts.
Representative Mickelson moved the do‑pass motion. After testimony and brief discussion, the committee approved the motion by voice vote; the chair announced the ayes had it and the bill will go to the floor.
Committee members and witnesses noted contextual details cited by Davenport: Idaho has not permitted a cyanidation facility for more than 30 years in the state, and the underlying statute dates to roughly two decades ago. Proponents said the bill clarifies the application process, permits phased review and multiple notice periods, and preserves DEQ’s authority to require additional design detail during review.
Conservation testimony urged additional clarity on wildlife and public‑health responsibilities and criticized the timing and process by which the draft bill emerged relative to prior negotiated rule‑making. The conservation witness asked for additional opportunities for public review and for explicit protections beyond water quality where appropriate.
Outcome: Representative Mickelson’s motion to send Senate Bill 1170 to the floor with a do‑pass recommendation carried by voice vote; the committee recorded “the ayes have it.”
