The City of Boise is committed to taking action to promote sustainable practices and initiatives within the community. To this end, the city has partnered with local businesses, organizations, and individuals to achieve this goal. Jonathan Oppenheimer, of the Idaho Conservation League (ICL), recently commented on the analysis of the Attorney General's office, which raised concerns about how a proposed bill would affect the enforcement of Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Following the meeting, ICL issued a statement calling for further discussion of the proposal.
The Idaho Conservation League, Idaho Rivers United, and the Sierra Club organized vigils in Idaho to raise awareness about the issue. In addition, Jervois Cobalt Operations in Idaho and ICL have joined forces to create the Superior Salmon Conservation Action Program. This program seeks to understand how Idaho mountain salmon can benefit people, justice, orcas, and resilience in Washington if the lower Snake River is released. Josh Johnson, conservation associate with the Central Idaho Conservation League, recently warned that if no additional measures are taken, there could be serious consequences such as “seizure of mine water” or “the release of contaminants through surrounding springs or, worse, a catastrophic explosion”.John Robison, director of public lands for ICL, noted that much of Idaho's open spaces are composed of public and private properties with special easements for public access.
The organization also released a report that gave 87 communities in Idaho a failing grade for their wastewater treatment systems. To address this issue, ICL has formed a council made up of Councilwoman Courtney Hamilton, architect Rebecca Bundy, and Betsy Mizell, director of ICL in central Idaho. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will review wolf hunting and trapping regulations this year and may consider expanding wolf capture areas and seasons in the Wood River Valley. ICL has also conducted an analysis of state and federal data and research on agricultural pollution in the Eastern Snake Plain aquifer for three consecutive years. The organization has requested that the council provide an avenue for public participation in the planning process. Idaho Matters recently spoke with a solar energy advocate about how changes to regulations could harm homeowners who have already installed solar panels.
It is clear that local businesses and environmental organizations in Boise are working together to promote sustainable practices and initiatives within the community.
