Public News Service

The Idaho National Laboratory outside of Idaho Falls was founded in 1949. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Advanced nuclear research in ID gets lift with tech hub designation

In its 75th year, the Idaho National Laboratory continues to lead on nuclear technology advancements. The latest boost for the lab and the rest of …

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…

La actual falta de planificaci�n coherente ha dificultado la construcci�n de nuevas l�neas de transmisi�n, lo que provoc� la nueva norma de la FERC. (Gregorio Johnston/Adobe Stock)

Regla de FERC impulsa la construcción de transmisión de energía en todo el país

Una nueva medida del gobierno federal da pasos hacia la modernización del proceso de construcción de líneas de transmisión de ener…

Lewiston is at the Washington border where the Snake River enters Idaho. (Nadia/Adobe Stock)

Snake River dams' clean energy claims questioned

A new report found four dams in the Columbia River Basin are big emitters of methane. Research from the organization Tell The Dam Truth showed the …

A mining exploration project has been proposed near Grimes Creek, a tributary of the Boise River. (Autumn/Adobe Stock)

Mine exploration project near Boise River headwaters raises alarm

Conservation groups are concerned about a mining exploration project proposed near the headwaters of the Boise River. The Idaho Copper Corporation …

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 …

Radioactive waste is typically stored at the site where it's generated. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Nuclear Waste Transportation Draws Opposition in West

Concerns are growing in the west about nuclear waste transportation. On Tuesday, the Snake River Alliance is holding a webinar on these concerns…

Pollution flows from mines in Canada's Elk River Valley to the Kootenai River, which runs through Montana and Idaho. (JOAN/Adobe Stock)

Canadian Coal Mine Pollution Threatens North ID River

Pollution from Canadian mines is endangering one of Idaho's largest rivers. Selenium and other pollutants from coal mines across the northern …

According to Solar Power World, Idaho and Texas do not have <a href=

mandatory state-wide net metering, but some utilities within the state offer compensation. (Adobe Stock)">

Idaho's PUC Approves Controversial Solar Study

A recent move by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission could mean solar panel owners in the state could receive less money from Idaho Power. The …

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 …

Construction of the Little Goose Dam in eastern Washington began in 1963 and was completed in 1970. (Brigida I. Sanchez/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

With Leak Report, Snake River Dams Could Be Showing Their Age

Four dams on the lower Snake River have been the sites of contention in the Northwest, and a recent report of an oil spill at one of the dams could …

The Stibnite mine project is located in portions of the Payette and Boise national forests. (Ecoflight)

Conservation Groups Wary of Central ID Mine Proposal

A proposed mining operation in central Idaho is raising concerns about possible damage to nearby fish and wildlife habitat. The U.S. Forest Service …

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

At least eight cities have pulled out of an agreement to use nuclear power from a project that will be built at Idaho National Laboratory. (Sam Beebe/Flickr)

Report: Taxpayers 'Losing' on Subsidies for Nuclear Industry

To modernize the industry, nuclear power is making the transition toward smaller reactors. But a report from Taxpayers for Common Sense claims …

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 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 …

Rep. Mike Simpson, R-ID, has proposed a $33.5 billion plan to save Chinook salmon and other endangered fish in the Columbia River Basin. (BLM/Flickr)

ID Salmon Industry Feels the Pain from Dismal Runs

BOISE, Idaho -- Closed fisheries from imperiled fish runs in the Columbia River Basin are prompting calls for action before it's too late. Steelhead …

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…

Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls study nuclear energy. (Sam Beebe/Flickr)

Critics Decry $12 Billion for Nuclear in Infrastructure Bill

BOISE, Idaho -- The U.S. Senate has passed a massive infrastructure bill, and buried within the package is $12 billion for the nuclear industry…

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…

Reprocessing spent nuclear fuel was studied at the Argonne National Laboratory-West site in Idaho. (Argonne National Laboratory-West/Wikimedia Commons)

Experts: Halt Comeback of Spent Nuclear Fuel Technology

BOISE, Idaho -- As the U.S. aims to push past fossil fuel dependency, nuclear power is part of the conversation, but non-proliferation watchdogs hope …

Some Nez Perce Tribe members say removing the lower Snake River dams is crucial for restoring their fishing rights. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Action on Simpson NW Infrastructure Proposal

BOISE, Idaho - Groups are urging Northwest leaders to act on U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson's infrastructure and Snake River dam proposal. The plan would …

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…

Many in the Northwest fishing industry say some of their challenges stem from four lower Snake River dams and their effects on salmon migration. (kellyvandellen/Adobe Stock)

Simpson's NW Salmon Plan Gets More Backing

BOISE, Idaho -- If the Pacific Northwest has a taste, it's for the region's salmon, but as the iconic fish species dwindles, it also effects a food …

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 …

Idaho GOP Rep. Mike Simpson's infrastructure proposal includes $3 billion to address water quality across the Northwest. (Bob Wick/U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

Simpson's Historic Plan Includes Key Water Quality Tools

BOISE, Idaho -- A $33 billion infrastructure plan for the Northwest developed by Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, continues to shake up the region…

Experimental Nuclear Reactor Design Could Come to ID

BOISE, Idaho -- The public can weigh in this week on an experimental nuclear reactor which could be coming to the Idaho National Laboratory. The U.S…

The Idaho National Laboratory will be home to NuScale's small, modular reactor project. (Sam Beebe/Flickr)

Questions Remain About ID Nuclear Reactor Project

BOISE, Idaho - Questions are being raised about the future of NuScale Power's Idaho project to bring nuclear energy to cities in the Mountain West…

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 …

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…

Utility company Avista has committed to providing 100% clean energy by 2045. (lovelyday12/Adobe Stock)

Public Can Comment on ID Utility's Future Energy Plans

SANDPOINT, Idaho -- Idahoans will get a chance to have their voices heard on their energy future this week. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is …

NuScale is developing a nuclear reactor project at the Idaho National Laboratory. (Idaho National Laboratory/Flickr)

Proposed Emergency Plan Exemption for New Nuclear Designs Raises Concerns

BOISE, Idaho -- A proposal from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission exempting emergency planning for new nuclear plant designs is raising …

Nuclear waste from the Three Mile Island meltdown in 1979 made its way to Idaho for storage. (Nuclear Regulatory Commission/Flickr)

On Three Mile Island Meltdown Anniversary, ID Considers Nuclear Future

BOISE, Idaho - Saturday is the 41st anniversary of the partial meltdown at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. Experts say there are lessons …

Removal of energy efficiency standards such as heating insulation could be approved by a state House committee. (Arpad Nagy-Bagoly/Adobe Stock)

ID Lawmakers Eye Removing Energy Efficiency from Building Codes

BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho lawmakers are considering removing energy standards from building codes. But building industry groups say that would be a …

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 …

William Perry Pendley, who has a history of anti-public lands viewpoints, has been acting BLM director since August. (U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

Acting BLM Director's Views on Public Lands Causing Alarm

BOISE, Idaho – Concerns are swirling around William Perry Pendley's role as acting director of the Bureau of Land Management. Pendley is …

Salmon populations in the Northwest continue to spiral downward. (biker3/Adobe Stock)

NW Interests Come Together to Discuss Salmon Recovery, Energy

BOISE, Idaho — Major Northwest stakeholders are gathering today at Boise State University to discuss salmon recovery and the region's power …

Debris from the McCall home explosion reached a 200-yard debris field. (Idaho State Police via Idaho Dept. of Insurance)

After Propane Gas Explosions, Idahoans Urged to Take Precautions

BOISE, Idaho – After two propane gas explosions in March, Idaho officials are urging residents to take precautions and stay safe. Idaho State …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 19, 2024

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ID: Energy Policy