House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee
Key Moments
John Woude — The chair asks Representative Hill to clarify whether the resolution seeks an exception or modification to the settlement agreement, then follows up by thanking him and asking whether there are any further questions for the sponsor.
Britt Raybould — The speaker thanks Representative Britt Raybould twice in a brief, continuous exchange, indicating appreciation or acknowledgment in response to her prior input.
Britt Raybould — Representative Furman is identified as the intended respondent and then replies to Representative Wisniewski’s concern, saying he is not an expert but agrees the concern is valid and that clearer language may be needed if reports are insufficient.
Britt Raybould — Voted aye on the motion.
No witness signed up — The chair notes that no one is signed up to testify.
Ben Fuhriman — Representative Ben Fuhriman introduces Senate Bill 1269, remains present as the chair opens questions, and then responds to a question by clarifying that the law refers to the seeding material as written and that silver iodide is what is being put into the clouds.
Ben Fuhriman — Representative Furman voted aye on the motion during the roll-call vote.
Paul Arrington — Paul Arrington, representing the Idaho Water Users Association, answers questions about cloud seeding. He explains the materials used in ground generators and aircraft seeding, stating that ground generators use silver iodide, propane, and acetone, while aircraft use road flares and silver iodide, with no additional proprietary chemicals involved. He then addresses questions about the effects of cloud seeding, saying studies show storms and clouds reform as they move, sometimes carrying lingering seeding effects into the next basin, and that seeding can increase snowfall in the targeted area before conditions return to normal as the storm moves on.
Tony Wisniewski — Representative Tony Wisniewski asks whether the cloud seeding reporting requirement will disclose all ingredients and raises concern that the term "type" may be too vague to ensure all chemicals in a cloud seeding material are identified. In response, Fuhriman acknowledges the concern and says it is valid, though he is not an expert on the matter.
Rod Furniss — Rod Furniss is called on for a follow-up question and then immediately moves to send Senate Bill 1269 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.
Rod Furniss — Vice Chair Furniss was named during the roll call and then participated in the roll call vote.
Faye Thompson — Faye Thompson asks whether other chemicals are added to silver iodide and follows up with a comment on the motion. She then explains that Idaho Power previously said the additives are proprietary, and argues that the bill effectively creates immunity and prevents the public from knowing what chemicals are being used. She says this raises environmental and health concerns and states she will vote no.
Faye Thompson — Voted no on the motion.
Heather Scott — Asks whether cloud seeding in a closed system takes precipitation from another area.
Heather Scott — Asks whether cloud seeding in one area reduces precipitation in another area.
Heather Scott — Seeks clarification on whether cloud seeding simply shifts precipitation from one place to another.
Heather Scott — Continues pressing for clarification on how the closed system works.
Heather Scott — Asks whether any reporting is currently being done.
Heather Scott — Asked where reports are located and who reports to whom regarding cloud seeding oversight.
Heather Scott — Pressed for clarity on who reports to whom and how often.
Heather Scott — Voted no on the motion.
Chris Bruce — Begins a question about the bill’s statement that state or local permits are not required.
Chris Bruce — Asked whether cloud seeding entities are already permitted and whether they need permits.
Chris Bruce — The question is part of the ongoing discussion before his follow-up.
Chris Bruce — Asked who performs the reporting and where the supporting reports can be found.
Chris Bruce — Referenced as having asked an earlier related question.
Chris Bruce — Voted aye on the motion.
Mr. Arrington — Mr. Arrington explained that cloud seeding operations do not require a permit, but they still need Water Board authorization through an agreement that includes reporting and information-gathering requirements. He addressed concerns about silver iodide, saying that while it could be harmful in large amounts, the quantities used in cloud seeding are so small they are not detectable and no known health or environmental impacts have been observed. He also described the growth of cloud seeding programs across Idaho and noted that contractors submit reports and information to the Water Resource Board, with collaboration among the Water Board, Idaho Power, and others on science, studies, reporting, and program understanding. He added that the relevant reports should be available on a web page and promised to follow up with the committee on the exact location and related information.
Vito Barbieri — Called for roll call after the chair was in doubt.
Tanya Burgoyne — Representative Burgoyne voted no on the motion.
Steven Tanner — Voted no on the motion.
Erin Bingham — Voted aye on the motion.
Ilana Rubel — Named during the roll call, but no vote is captured in the transcript fragment.
Megan Egbert — Representative Egbert reviews the minutes and moves approval of the minutes from Thursday, March 12th.
Megan Egbert — Asked whether reporting includes measuring silver iodide after it falls to the ground.
Megan Egbert — Asked whether data exists for silver iodide measurements on the ground or in water.
Megan Egbert — Voted aye on the motion.
Jordan Redman — The speaker jokes that Redman is probably one of the people who will make a lot of money from the opportunity.