Excerpt from Gov. Kempthorne’s State of the State Address
January 8, 2001

But let no one assume for a moment that I will not use every resource at my disposal to fight for and protect the interests of this sovereign state and her citizens and her land and her water.

I am keenly aware that in recent weeks, many Idahoans have become aware of the increases of natural gas prices and our traditionally inexpensive electricity.  In addition, during these winter months, there has been tremendous pressure to release water to create additional power for transport beyond Idaho's borders.

I certainly support reasonable conservation measures to ensure that inexpensive energy is available to all of Idaho's families. And throughout the West, we have a history of mutual cooperation and support in times of need and difficulties. Idaho will always be a good neighbor.

But let me make this clear: I expect those states that are facing power shortages to provide strong evidence and firm assurances that all measures - such as increased generation and efficiencies in conservation - have been fully implemented. Only then will Idaho consider options to lend support.

In the meantime, I will continue to direct that Idaho's utilities not imperil our future power needs by drafting water in excess of our current needs.

And next month in Portland, I will chair an energy summit of the Western Governors' Association, where we will examine the issues of energy prices and supplies, and seek to identify both short-term and long-term solutions to the energy needs of the West.

Page last updated 01/16/2001