Public News Service

Farmworkers laboring in extreme heat are at risk of heatstroke or even death. (F Armstrong Photo/Adobe Stock)

Biden administration's proposed heat rules would protect ID farmworkers

The Biden administration is proposing rules to protect workers from extreme heat. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said its …

More wind generation has been coming online in Idaho in recent years. (Oleg Kovtun/Adobe Stock)

ID poll: Clean energy production, preserving nature compatible goals

A new poll shows Idahoans support the development of more clean energy in the state. In February, 500 likely Idaho voters were surveyed. Jillian …

The current lack of cohesive planning has made building new transmission lines difficult, prompting FERC's new rule. (Gregory Johnston/Adobe Stock)

FERC rule to spark energy transmission building nationwide

A new step from the federal government takes a step toward modernizing the process for building energy transmission lines - while also protecting wild…

The language used in scientific disciplines can be a barrier to comprehension. (georgeburba/Adobe Stock)

ID student-led program helps Spanish speakers access science

A student-led program at Boise State University is helping make science more accessible for Spanish speakers. Project Scientia provides Spanish …

Idaho scored low on nearly every metric of a report analyzing the state's transportation spending policy. (Jacob/Adobe Stock)

Report: Idaho in bottom 10 for transportation spending policies

Idaho is in the bottom ten in a report ranking states' spending on transportation. With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act …

A decision on whether to provide Endangered Species protections to wolverine has wavered since the 1990s. (Karlos Lomsky/Adobe Stock)

Decades-long effort yields protections for dwindling wolverine population

In a long-awaited decision being celebrated by conservation groups, the wolverine will receive greater protections across the northern Cascades and …

The installed capacity of Idaho wind energy is 973 MW, according to the American Clean Power Association. (Steven/Adobe Stock)

Congress Spending Bill Rider Could Slow Down ID Wind Energy Installation

A spending bill in Washington, D.C. includes a provision to conduct further study of wind energy before its installation in Idaho. Critics say the …

Idaho's unique habitats are under threat because native plant species aren't adapted for the frequent, intense wildfires becoming common in the state. (BLM)

As Fires Damage ID Plants, Report Finds Native Seed Supply Insufficient

A new report finds the country's supply of native seeds is falling behind the needs of current and future restoration projects. Researchers with …

Idaho Power serves more than 600,000 customers and has committed to including more renewables in its grid over the next two decades. (energy.gov)

ID Clean Energy Advocates to Gather at State Capitol

Clean energy advocates are heading to Boise at the start of next year's legislative session. The organization Idaho Energy Freedom formed in …

Idaho Power's resource plans show reduced emissions through about 2030 but then no change through 2040. (Sierra Club Idaho Chapter)

Report: Fossil Fuels Still Undergird Utilities' Future Plans

Despite their climate pledges, many utilities aren't moving away from fossil fuels very quickly, according to a new report. The Sierra Club …

Nearly 1.5 million electric vehicles were registered in the United States in 2021. (Samuel B./Adobe Stock)

Drive Electric Week Rides into Idaho

This week is National Drive Electric Week, and the vehicles are garnering more attention than ever. Over the weekend, Boise hosted an event …

The Idaho National Laboratory treats nuclear waste at its facility near Idaho Falls. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Critics: Climate Bill's Nuclear Funding Undermines Clean-Energy Claims

The Inflation Reduction Act aims to revolutionize the clean-energy sector in the United States. But in Idaho, critics think its investment in nuclear …

Idaho Power wants to reduce the rate it pays rooftop solar generators to the rate customers pay for power. (Jason/Adobe Stock)

Idaho Power Throwing Shade on Rooftop Solar, Supporters Say

Idaho Power has commissioned a study which found the rate it pays for rooftop solar customers to send their power back to the grid should be lowered…

The proposed mine is located adjacent to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area. (Bob/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Groups, Nez Perce Not Sold on ID Gold Mine

Idaho has issued its first major permit for a gold mine east of McCall. Conservation groups and the Nez Perce tribes say the project raises alarm …

Hydropower provided about half of Idaho's electricity in 2021. It's technically considered

Despite SCOTUS EPA Decision, ID Moves Toward Clean Energy

The busy season of U.S. Supreme Court decisions has come to an end, and among the policies justices struck down is the federal government's ability …

NuScale Power plans to build six reactor modules west of Idaho Falls to generate 462 megawatts of electricity. (Oregon State University/Wikimedia Commons)

Research: Radioactive Waste Issue Unresolved with New Reactor Designs

New, smaller designs for nuclear reactors have been touted as vital for the clean energy future, but new research found they could generate more …

Conservation groups filed a lawsuit in 2020 challenging the decision not to list the wolverine as an endangered species. (slowmotiongli/Adobe Stock)

Potential Endangered Status for Wolverine Passes Back to Feds

Federal protections are back on the table for the wolverine after a recent court ruling. The elusive predator also has found status as "endangered" …

Farms still can function with the installation of solar panels on their land. (vermontalm/Adobe Stock)

Clean-Energy Groups: ID Needs Community-Owned Solar Projects

Clean-energy advocates are calling on Idaho Power to go further with its energy plans, pushing for community ownership of renewable energy sources…

The Idaho House has also made past attempts to change how building codes related to energy efficiency are approved. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

ID Lawmakers Push for Closer Oversight of Energy Building Codes

Idaho lawmakers want more control over building codes that regulate energy efficiency. The standards cover things like the efficiency of appliances …

While salmon could benefit from favorable ocean conditions, climate change is bring harsher conditions in Idaho. (NorthwestWildImages/Adobe Stock)

River Conditions Still Concern for Salmon Despite Good Ocean News

Recent data on ocean conditions could be good news for struggling salmon in the Northwest. But advocates for the species warn this isn't enough to …

Idaho is expected to experience more extreme weather such as droughts as global temperatures rise. (TS Schofield/Adobe Stock)

Assessment Details Changing Climate's Effects on ID Economy

A new report analyzes the economic effects of a changing climate on Idaho. It's the first to look at state-specific circumstances. Katherine Himes …

The 2021 summer was the hottest on record for Idaho, according to NOAA. (Adam/Adobe Stock)

Extreme Weather Events in 2021 Highlight Climate Change's Effect

2021 has been a year of extreme weather events in Idaho. Among the worst and most unforgettable was an extreme heat wave. In the Northwest…

The Nature Conservancy in Idaho and U.S. Forest Service have partnered to deploy a five-person team in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.(Cheyanne Quigley/The Nature Conservancy)

Survey: North Idahoans Support Forests as Climate Solution

COER D'ALENE, Idaho - A new poll finds north Idahoans believe they have one important solution to climate change in their back yard: the forest…

The Tesla Gigafactory, where the Megapack was designed, is in Nevada. (Smnt/Wikimedia Commons)

Nez Perce Tribe First in ID to Receive Tesla's Large-Scale Solar Battery

BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho's first large-scale solar battery from Tesla has been installed by the Nez Perce Tribe. The Tesla Megapack is about the size …

Advocates for rooftop solar say it will better localize the energy system, making it more resilient. (kmlPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Utility's Study Could "Determine Future of Solar in ID"

BOISE, Idaho - A years-long battle over the future of residential solar power continues in Idaho. The Idaho Public Utility Commission is taking …

About 14% of Idaho's electricity was generated from wind in 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

ID Wind Project Stirs Concerns for Impact on National Parks, Wildlife

TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- The public has an opportunity to weigh in on a large wind-energy project proposed in Idaho. The Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project …

The United States has 93 nuclear reactors, down from 104 in 2012. (ThomasLENNE/Adobe Stock)

Hundreds of Groups Sign Letter Opposing Nuclear Subsidies

BOISE, Idaho -- Hundreds of groups have signed a letter opposing nuclear subsidies in Congress's infrastructure and budget reconciliation bills…

A video from July shows sockeye salmon with red lesions and fungus because of the Columbia River's hot water. (Conrad Gowell/Columbia Riverkeeper)

In Hot Water, Rallies Planned for NW Salmon

BOISE, Idaho -- Rallies are taking place across the Northwest to support salmon, which face dire conditions in the Columbia River Basin. Saturday…

Smoke from the Bootleg fire in southern Oregon is blowing across Idaho and as far east as New York. (National Interagency Fire Center/Flickr)

Tiny Particles in Wildfire Smoke Pose Health Risks

BOISE, Idaho -- Wildfires are affecting air quality across the West, bringing hidden dangers in smoke that can harm people's health. The Boise-based …

The bipartisan infrastructure framework includes $5 billion to invest in Western water storage. (Andy/Adobe Stock)

Rural U.S., Climate Resilience Seen as Winners in Infrastructure Package

BOISE, Idaho -- Supporters from both sides of the aisle are touting a $1.2 trillion infrastructure framework taking shape in Washington, D.C…

More than 8,700 acres have burned in Idaho so far this year as wildfire season ramps up. (Glen/Adobe Stock)

NW Heat Wave, Fires Could be 'Preview' of Hotter Future

BOISE, Idaho -- An unprecedented heat wave and fears of another severe wildfire season have put the warming climate at center stage in the Northwest…

More sustainable agriculture practices have several benefits, including less water usage. (Worawut/Adobe Stock)

Carbon Summit in ID Aims to Grow Sustainable Ag Movement

CALDWELL, Idaho -- An event in Idaho this week hopes to plant seeds for the sustainability movement in agriculture. The Carbon Summit will be held …

Farming techniques such as no-till and cover-crop planting will be demonstrated on a farm in Twin Falls. (Brad Johnson/The Nature Conservancy)

Demo Farm Could Plant Regenerative Agriculture Seed in ID

TWIN FALLS, Idaho - The Nature Conservancy in Idaho is demonstrating regenerative farming practices in the hopes that they will spread throughout the …

Young people in Boise have been holding rallies calling for action on climate change in recent years. (thauwald-pictures/Adobe Stock)

April Fool: Chase Bank Target of ID Youth Climate Activist Flash Mob

BOISE, Idaho -- Chase Bank is receiving an April Fool's greeting today from Boise youths, who are calling the institution out for its investment in …

A plan to replace electricity generated by four lower Snake River dams includes $10 billion for renewable sources like wind and solar. (Oleg Kovtun/Adobe Stock)

Critics: Nuclear Not Needed in Snake River Replacement Plan

BOISE, Idaho -- Nuclear energy could be part of the mix to replace power from four lower Snake River dams if they're removed. Rep. Mike Simpson…

Under Rep. Mike Simpson's plan, $10 billion would be invested in clean energy to replace power from the lower Snake River dams. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

Simpson's NW Infrastructure Plan Invests Heavily in Clean Energy

BOISE, Idaho -- The Northwest infrastructure plan developed by Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, would benefit more than salmon. It would also mean a major …

More than 4,000 homes were destroyed by wildfires in Idaho's neighboring state of Oregon this year. (U.S. Forest Service/Flickr)

2020 Wildfire Season Could be Taste of Future

BOISE, Idaho -- The West's intense wildfire season this year could be a taste of what the future holds, scientists predict. States like Oregon and …

Irrigation incurs big costs for Idaho farmers that can be offset by solar projects. (David Frazier/Flickr)

ID Farmers: Net-Metering Proposal Could Cloud Solar

BOISE, Idaho -- Some farmers fear a rate case before Idaho commissioners will throw shade on future solar projects. The state Public Utilities …

Some activists say with all the destruction seen from wildfires this year, the nation could be reaching a turning point in getting through to climate change deniers. But President Donald Trump is still not publicly linking the two issues. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation Group: We Haven't Seen Worst Yet on Wildfires

BOISE, Idaho -- From destroyed properties and wilderness to smoky air, the Northwest is reeling from more wildfires this season. The Center for …

A project for a new nuclear reactor design is slated to be built at the Idaho National Laboratory. (Idaho National Laboratory/Flickr)

Report: ID Nuclear Project Faces Major Hurdles

BOISE, Idaho -- A new report says problems lie ahead for a new nuclear plant design in Idaho that will supply power to municipalities in six states…

Very large fires could occur more than once a year in southwest Idaho if warming trends continue. (U.S. Forest Service/Flickr)

This Place Will Burn: Map Shows More Large Fires for U.S.

BOISE, Idaho -- A new project is showing the West how much it will heat up as temperatures continue to rise. "This Place Will Burn" provides county-…

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is being celebrated through online broadcasts over the next three days. (Booker Smith/Flickr)

In Idaho, Students Shift Earth Day Celebrations Online

BOISE, Idaho -- Climate activists around the globe are moving their Earth Day plans online, including in Idaho. Earth Day Live Boise is a student-led …

The Cenarussa Ranch easement provides more than three miles of access to public lands. (Tess O'Sullivan/TNC)

Easement Protects Public-Land Access in South-Central ID

CAREY, Idaho -- A conservation easement in south-central Idaho is helping protect access to public lands. The easement surrounds the Cenarrusa Ranch…

Pollution trapped during winter inversions can make air dangerous for sensitive groups, including children and older people. (Charles Knowles/Flickr)

Idahoans Can Fight Bad Air During Winter Inversions

BOISE, Idaho -- The winter inversion season is a reminder of the daily pollution seen in valley communities across the West. Inversions are weather …

More than 4,000 rooftop solar owners could see big increases to their electricity bill under an Idaho Power proposal. (Brad Nixon/Adobe Stock)

Groups Oppose Idaho Power Throwing Shade on Rooftop Solar

BOISE, Idaho – Rooftop solar customers could see big changes to their energy bills under a proposal from Idaho Power. The utility company …

Eight in 10 people in Idaho see wildfire smoke as a natural hazard, according to new research. (Neal Herbert/U.S. Interior Dept.)

Health Survey: Where There's Smoke, There's Confusion

BOISE, Idaho – Wildfires are a threat in the West, but their smoke is even more deadly, researchers say. However, a new survey shows Idahoans …

Climate activists say the warming climate is causing an increased threat from wildfires in Idaho. (U.S. Forest Service/Flickr)

Idahoans Prepare to Join Global Climate Strike

BOISE, Idaho — People around the world will walk out of work and school this Friday to call for action on climate change, including many in …

Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, introduced the Owyhee Initiative Implementation Act in 2009. (Greg Shine/U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

Forum Celebrates Decade-Long Owyhee Management Team-Up

MARSING, Idaho – This year's Rangeland Fall Forum is coming to the Owyhees. The event is being held in Marsing on October 10 and the theme …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 18, 2024

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ID: Climate Change