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House panel introduces RS 32,218 C1 to require most new transmission capacity remain in Idaho
Summary
Representative John Gannon introduced RS 32,218 C1, a draft that would limit the export of power carried over newly built transmission lines obtained through eminent domain by requiring 75% of the energy to stay in Idaho; the committee introduced the RS after members requested technical analysis.
Representative John Gannon, R‑District 17 of Boise, presented RS 32,218 C1 as a prospective limit on the out‑of‑state export of electricity on new transmission lines for which an eminent‑domain remedy is used. Gannon said the draft would require that 75% of the energy carried on such lines be used in Idaho, with up to 25% exported out of state. "That 75% of the energy in the transmission lines that goes, that goes through the property where the remedy is used by a transmission company, 75% of that has to stay in Idaho," Gannon said. He described the proposal as prospective and said it would not affect existing transmission lines.
Gannon framed the draft as a response to large projects that would carry Idaho power out of state, telling the committee that a roughly $1 billion transmission project is moving from Southern California to Twin Falls "with the intention to transmit Idaho produced energy for their use." He referenced a U.S. Department of Energy report from October 2024 and said the draft had been reviewed by the Attorney General.
Committee members raised technical questions. Representative Nicholson asked how the 75% benchmark would account for power flows that vary over time; Nicholson noted electricity can be routed to different states depending on instantaneous need. Gannon acknowledged variability and said the 75% requirement is an overall amount, not a per‑hour guarantee, and reiterated the draft applies prospectively to new lines. Representative Aquiles cautioned the bill appears to treat distribution and transmission lines synonymously and asked the sponsor to bring an analysis comparing existing line flows to the 75% benchmark for the full hearing. Representative Barbieri moved to introduce the RS; the motion carried on a voice vote with no opposing votes recorded on the transcript.
The nut graf: The RS seeks to limit the export of newly produced Idaho energy by placing a 75% in‑state use requirement on new transmission projects that might be constructed using eminent domain. Sponsors said the measure is prospective, reviewed by the Attorney General, and intended to ensure Idaho's energy needs—cited as growing because of data centers and subdivisions—are prioritized.
Committee members requested technical analyses and clearer language distinguishing transmission from distribution before the RS returns for a printed hearing.
