Ted Hill — Representative Ted Hill introduces S.R. 120 and presents a case for nuclear fuel reprocessing in Idaho. He says Idaho and the U.S. are entering a nuclear renaissance, explains that federal policy is encouraging reprocessing of used fuel, and argues that uranium supplies are limited while spent fuel still contains substantial energy value. Hill discusses Idaho’s 1995 settlement agreement limiting spent fuel storage, says Idaho National Laboratory is well positioned to lead reprocessing, and emphasizes the economic opportunity of extracting more value from used fuel. He describes how most of the material can be reprocessed, leaving only a small fraction as final waste to be vitrified and sent elsewhere, and addresses proliferation concerns by saying the resulting plutonium is not weapons-grade. The discussion includes a brief question from the chair about whether the resolution seeks an exception or modification to the settlement agreement, followed by Hill’s closing thanks before the committee vote.
Jordan Redman — The speaker jokingly says Redman is probably one of the people who will benefit financially from the opportunity.
Britt Raybould — The speaker thanks Representative Britt Raybould twice in close succession, including after making the motion, as part of the same brief exchange.
Ben Fuhriman — Representative Ben Fuhriman presents Senate Bill 1269, asks for a motion to send the bill to the floor, and responds to questions by explaining that the bill uses the language as written, that silver iodide is what is being put into the clouds, and that while he is not an expert, he agrees the concern about clarity is valid and suggests the language should be made clearer in the future if the reports do not provide enough detail.
Mr. Paul Arrington — The sponsor identifies Mr. Paul Arrington as an expert available to answer questions.
Tony Wisniewski — Representative Tony Wisniewski questions whether the bill's reporting language is specific enough to require full disclosure of all chemicals or ingredients used in cloud seeding materials, expressing concern that the word 'type' is too broad. The response acknowledges his concern and notes that it is valid, though the speaker is not an expert on the matter.
Rod Furniss — Representative Rod Furniss was called on to continue questions, then moved to send SB 1269 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. He followed up by asking whether the bill’s reporting requirements would include the number of cloud seeding operations and their locations.
Paul Arrington — Paul Arrington, representing the Idaho Water Users Association, answered questions about cloud seeding reporting and operations. He explained that reporting includes locations, flight paths, materials used, and a new drone pilot program in the Bear River Basin. He pointed to the bill’s monthly and annual reporting sections, noting that annual reports must include operational data such as dates, locations, and methods used. He then described the materials involved in ground-generator cloud seeding—silver iodide, propane, and acetone—and said airplane seeding uses road flares and silver iodide. When asked about whether Idaho Power used anything additional, he said they confirmed there was nothing beyond those materials. He also began addressing a question about the effects of seeding, saying it increases snowfall in seeded areas, and noted that the Idaho Water Resource Board already has robust cloud seeding reporting available on its website.
Heather Scott — Asked a question about cloud seeding and rainwater in a closed system.
Heather Scott — Asked about whether cloud seeding in one basin affects rainfall in another and referenced studies comparing seeded and unseeded storms.
Heather Scott — Continued asking about basin-to-basin effects and whether cloud seeding changes precipitation distribution.
Heather Scott — Sought clarification on whether cloud seeding simply increases precipitation in one spot versus another in a closed system.
Heather Scott — Repeated her understanding that cloud seeding produces more moisture in the targeted areas.
Heather Scott — Asked whether any reporting is currently being done.
Heather Scott — Said she was not seeing the specific reports on the site and questioned where they are posted.
Heather Scott — Asked who is reporting to whom, how often, and whether Idaho Water Resources or Idaho Power is the reporting entity.
Heather Scott — Voted no in the roll call.
Mr. Arrington — Explained that entities do not need a permit but still need authorization from the Water Board, citing Idaho Power as an example.
Bruce Skaug — Asked who does the reporting and where the supporting reports can be found regarding health-hazard levels.
Bruce Skaug — Referenced in Mr. Arrington's follow-up response about where the reports can be found.
Bruce Skaug — Referenced as having asked an earlier question that the response also addresses.
Bruce Skaug — Voted aye in the roll call.
Vito Barbieri — Called during the roll call vote.
Brent Crane — Called during the roll call vote; likely a reference to Representative Furniss/Furness in the transcript.
Tanya Burgoyne — Representative Burgoyne voted no in the roll call, with the vote recorded twice as a repeated confirmation.
Erin Bingham — Voted aye in the roll call.
Megan Egbert — Moved approval of the minutes from Thursday, March 12th, after stating she saw no needed changes.
Megan Egbert — Asked whether the reporting requirements include measuring silver iodide after it falls to the ground or water.
Megan Egbert — Asked whether data exists on silver iodide measured on the ground or in water.