Clean Energy
How Idaho Conservation League works to support clean energy solutions
With Idaho’s rich wind, solar, and geothermal resources, we can set our own future and be a leader in making America energy independent. These clean energy resources have several benefits over traditional coal or natural gas. However, without careful siting decisions and construction practices, they may harm Idaho's important natural resources. ICL is working to balance the benefits with the possible costs.
ICL supports legislation such as tax incentives to develop new clean energy sources in Idaho. The benefits of clean energy are numerous. For example:
- They emit no greenhouse gases so do not contribute to global warming.
- They emit no harmful pollutants to our air and water supplies.
- Unlike coal- or natural gas-power plants, wind, solar, and geothermal use local and free fuel supplies.
- They help grow rural economies by creating jobs and contributing to the local tax base.
- Using local resources requires fewer transmission lines.
- They are cost effective. Wind and geothermal cost the same or less than coal plants, and the price of solar is falling rapidly.
Like any new development, building new clean energy sources could impact Idaho's natural resources. ICL supports the creation of a statewide siting authority to identify areas where renewable energy should be built, and to protect areas that have important wildlife or cultural value.
- Wind farms can impact sage grouse and other wildlife so ICL works with developers to avoid important habitat.
- Solar and wind farms can cover existing habitat so ICL pushes developers onto already impacted lands, like landfills old mines, or other brownfields.
- Geothermal can impact hotsprings and other aquifers so ICL encourages closed loop systems that recycle the water.
- For any project ICL works to ensure the impacts are minimized and fully mitigated.
Idaho can benefit greatly from the new energy economy, but only if we act now. We can lead America to a secure energy future by creating a favorable business environment for clean energy resources. At the same time, by avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating potential impacts, we can protect Idaho's valuable natural resources.
The Idaho Conservation League works to ensure our energy needs are met with clean energy - not dirty fossil fuels. To do so, we are engaging with policymakers at all levels and building a coalition of voices for clean energy.
