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Committee deadlocks on Home Energy Rebates and Speed Council; $24.6M federal rebate plan not adopted
Summary
JFAC debated whether Idaho should administer the federal Home Energy Rebates Program and whether to fund a new interagency 'Speed Council' to streamline permitting for infrastructure projects. Multiple substitute motions were voted on; none secured the committee majorities needed on both chambers and the proposals were not adopted in committee.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee debated two related proposals for the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources: a request to accept and administer federal Home Energy Rebates Program funds (about $24.58 million for FY2026, including $20 million in direct rebates) and a separate governor‑recommended Speed Council proposal that would add one full‑time equivalent position and $481,000 from the general fund to streamline permitting for large infrastructure projects.
Kellen McGurkin, budget and policy analyst, told the committee the Home Energy Rebates Program stems from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and would provide roughly $80.8 million to Idaho through 2031; OEMR requested authority to administer a portion immediately for FY2026. McGurkin described the agency request as including $20,000,000 in…
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