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Bill modernizes energy fund language, allows OEMR greater role and revenue flexibility
Summary
S 1303 renames and redefines the Energy Resources Fund to include 'renewable or sustainable energy sources,' allows OEMR to be a single point of contact for energy projects, and permits recipients of federal land royalties flexibility to request appropriations; committee sent the bill to the floor with a do‑pass recommendation; Senator Kohl recorded a nay.
Senator Woodward described S 1303 as updating outdated language and enabling the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources (OEMR) to serve as a single point of contact for energy projects. He said the bill modernizes language—including changing "renewable energy" to "renewable or sustainable energy sources"—and gives recipients of federal land royalties more flexibility to request appropriations to advance energy projects.
Senator Taylor asked whether the phrase "other sustainable" that included nuclear would also include hydro; Senator Woodward said the intent was to include hydro, though it was harder to find new hydro sources than nuclear. Aaron Menenberg, Idaho Policy Manager for Renewable Northwest, testified in favor, particularly noting the bill's attention to transmission and additional revenue sources; the committee sent S 1303 to the floor with a do‑pass recommendation; Senator Kohl asked to be recorded as voting nay.
