HB 737: Prohibiting government contracts with companies – 2022

Introduced by Reps. Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls), Gayann DeMordaunt (R-Eagle), Sage Dixon (R-Ponderay), Jason Monks (R-Meridian) and Sen. Steve Vick (R-Hayden), House Bill 737 would prohibit state government agencies from having contracts with companies that have decided to cut their investments in fossil fuels, mining, logging and agriculture. It would also require the Idaho State Treasurer to publish, maintain and update a list of financial and investment firms engaged in “company boycotts.”

Many companies are making the choice to divest from fossil fuels because their customers are demanding it. This bill would mean the business would be boycotted by Idaho State Government if they listen to the preferences of their customers. 

A handful of oil-friendly states have been fighting climate action with similar measures because their budgets rely on tax revenue from environmentally damaging industries like coal mining, coal-fired power generation and others.

This bill is really just another way for some politicians to limit forward action to mitigate climate change and environmental impacts.