Idaho Bills

Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding Idaho's primacy over the management of its fish, wildlife and water resources and to provide that any introduction or reintroduction without state consultation and approval is prohibited.

Idaho Power Company's Hells Canyon Project is in the process of relicensing by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The State of Oregon has attempted to require Idaho Power Company to implement fish passage and reintroduction of anadromous fish above the Hells Canyon Project in Idaho waters. Reintroduction into Idaho waters without consent of the State of Idaho violates Idaho law, policy, and the sovereignty of the State of Idaho. This bill amends Idaho Code 67-818(5) to clarify Idaho law to make it clear that introduction or reintroduction of any aquatic or terrestrial species requires approval of the State, and that the policy is not limited to listed species.