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House backs bill allowing Intermountain Power Project subsidiaries to pursue alternative energy
Summary
Lawmakers passed HB 341 to let the Intermountain Power Project set up subsidiary 'segments' as interlocal entities to diversify into solar, wind or other energy uses during a coal-to-gas transition; sponsor said the change aims to preserve employment and tax revenue; passage was 73–0.
Representative Nelson, sponsor of HB 341, described the Intermountain Power Project (IPP) as a major state power producer planning a conversion from coal to natural gas and seeking legislative authority to create subsidiaries ("segments") to diversify into alternative energy and protect local employment and tax revenue. "The purpose of this bill is to allow IPP to diversify the use of its assets, to alternative energy producers to help maintain levels of local employment as well as economic levels throughout the state," Nelson said.
He explained the measure creates a statutory process for forming subunits that would be taxed as interlocal entities, sets liability distinctions between parent and segment, and authorizes governing structures to support solar, wind or other generation tied to IPP assets. Sponsor and supporters emphasized the bill is structural — it enables organization of subunits and liability protection rather than directing specific projects.
Representative Nelson closed by urging support; the House passed the first substitute, 73–0, and the bill will be transmitted to the Senate.
