From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed May 4 16:20:40 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 4 May 2022 22:20:40 +0000 Subject: Election security, other recommendations outlined in new Cybersecurity Task Force report Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 4, 2022 Election security, other recommendations outlined in new Cybersecurity Task Force report Idaho Falls, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little joined members of his Cybersecurity Task Force today in rolling out 18 recommendations from the task force to protect Idaho citizens, businesses, and elections from cyber-attacks. The Cybersecurity Task Force?s final report to Governor Little is available here: https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-cybersecurity-tf-recommendations.pdf ?Through the Idaho National Laboratory, the State of Idaho is home to unique and world-leading capabilities in countering cyber-attacks and engineering solutions to the cybersecurity challenges facing our state and nation. We need increased resources, partnerships and active collaboration between a broad range of organizations to successfully protect Idahoans from ever-growing cybersecurity threats,? Governor Little said. ?My Cybersecurity Task Force spent the past eight months identifying new ways to improve our state?s defenses against cyber-attacks, including recommendations to better protect Idaho?s election infrastructure. Fair and free elections are a hallmark of Idaho?s proud representative democracy and the expectation of every Idahoan. I appreciate my very capable team for stepping up to the task.? The recommendations are aimed at ensuring election integrity; safeguarding Idaho?s critical infrastructure; improving Idaho?s pipeline of cybersecurity professionals; and improving the public?s cybersecurity awareness and education. Governor Little established the Cybersecurity Task Force in August, noting that cybersecurity intrusions, corruption, and fraud are global threats that challenge the security of all citizens, businesses, and governments at every level. ?Across our state and throughout the nation, there are few more pressing threats to our safety, security, and freedom than cyber-attacks. This susceptibility makes the work of the task force so important,? Governor Little said. Additional information on the Governor?s Cybersecurity Task Force is available at https://commerce.idaho.gov/cybersecurity/. To further enhance the security of Idaho?s elections and give Idahoans confidence their vote counts, as part of his ?Leading Idaho? plan Governor Little this year sought and the Legislature approved $12 million for a new Cyber Response and Defense Fund to ensure the state is prepared to respond to any cybersecurity events that may occur with elections throughout the state as well as $500,000 for proactive integrity audits to enhance transparency and confidence in the results of all Idaho elections. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Callihan, Communications Director 208-334-2100 or Emily.Callihan at gov.idaho.gov --? Sign up to receive news from Governor Little? Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu May 5 11:37:49 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 5 May 2022 17:37:49 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?R292LiBMaXR0bGUgaGlnaGxpZ2h0cyDigJxMZWFkaW5nIElkYWhv4oCdIGlu?= =?utf-8?B?dmVzdG1lbnRzIGluIExha2UgQ29ldXIgZOKAmUFsZW5lLCB3YXRlciBxdWFs?= =?utf-8?Q?ity?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2022 Gov. Little highlights ?Leading Idaho? investments in Lake Coeur d?Alene, water quality Coeur d?Alene, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little joined members of the Coeur d?Alene Lake Advisory Committee today to highlight new ?Leading Idaho? investments to improve water quality and the health of Lake Coeur d?Alene. ?Water is the source of life, and North Idaho truly revolves around Coeur d?Alene Lake. We depend on this lake for the health of the surrounding environment. All aspects of the economy go back to the lake, from tourism to recreation to local business,? Governor Little said. ?Many of us refer to Coeur d?Alene Lake as the gem of North Idaho, and we all want to keep it that way. That?s why this session my legislative partners and I championed new investments in the lake and for water quality across our state.? The Governor?s ?Leading Idaho? plan directed the following new investments in water quality: * $80 million to improve water quality throughout Idaho, including at Lake Coeur d?Alene. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will prioritize nutrient reduction projects identified by the Coeur d?Alene Lake Advisory Committee in overseeing the funds. Grants will also help farmers, ranchers, dairies, and confined animal feeding operations across Idaho implement best management practices to improve Idaho?s priority watersheds. * Leveraged $450 million from federal funds and invested $44 million in General Fund dollars for safe water systems for our communities. The funds will help improve local drinking and wastewater systems, with an emphasis on disadvantaged communities in need of major infrastructure upgrades. Another $2 million was allocated in 2021 for water quality projects that will benefit the lake, and Governor Little announced another $20 million over the next few years for these worthwhile projects. ?My goal is to make Idaho the place where our children and grandchildren choose to stay. In North Idaho, that means keeping our lake and its tributaries healthy for future generations. I?d like to thank the members of my Lake Advisory Committee that have been and will continue to be instrumental in distributing these funds,? Governor Little said. Governor Little?s Leading Idaho plan also made historic investments in water infrastructure and agriculture this year, with $325 million in new funding to ensure clean, abundant water is available as our state grows and continues to face water scarcity. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Callihan, Communications Director 208-334-2100 or Emily.Callihan at gov.idaho.gov --? Sign up to receive news from Governor Little? Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri May 6 11:10:31 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 6 May 2022 17:10:31 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little seeks input from Idahoans on meth, fentanyl Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D86139.E3E93010] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 6, 2022 Gov. Little seeks input from Idahoans on meth, fentanyl Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little is asking Idahoans to weigh in about the impacts of meth and fentanyl at the final regional roundtables for his ?Operation Esto Perpetua? initiative scheduled for next week. Operation Esto Perpetua is the Governor?s new strategy to protect communities from the growing drug threat. Additional information, including membership of the initiative?s Citizen Action Group and Law Enforcement Panel, is available at https://gov.idaho.gov/operation-esto-perpetua/. The Citizens Action Group has held public meetings in Coeur d?Alene and Weiser in recent weeks, and the details of the group?s final roundtables follow: Eastern Idaho Roundtable Monday, May 9 Location: Pocatello City Hall (911 N. 7th Ave.) Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (public testimony starts at 2 p.m.) Magic Valley Roundtable Wednesday, May 11 Location: College of Southern Idaho, Taylor Building Room 276/277 (315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls) Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (public testimony starts at 10:30 a.m.) Governor Little will attend both roundtables in Pocatello and Twin Falls. The public also may offer comments to the Citizens Action Group via e-mail to governor at gov.idaho.gov before May 13. The Citizens Action Group will compile and present its observations to the Law Enforcement Panel in the coming weeks. The Law Enforcement Panel then will identify action items to make our communities safer. ?Meth and fentanyl are the most serious and growing drug threats in Idaho. There is much more we can do to make Idaho?s communities safer. With Operation Esto Perpetua, we are bringing together law enforcement, lawmakers, cities, counties, tribes, families, and the public in new ways with one goal ? to meaningfully reduce the flow of fentanyl and meth into the State of Idaho. I appreciate Idahoans taking the time to share their feedback with me,? Governor Little said. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Callihan, Communications Director 208-334-2100 or Emily.Callihan at gov.idaho.gov --? Sign up to receive news from Governor Little? Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 99982 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue May 10 14:23:25 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 10 May 2022 20:23:25 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?SWRhaG/igJlzIHJlZC1ob3QgZWNvbm9teSBzZXRzIG5ldyByZWNvcmQsIG1v?= =?utf-8?Q?re_tax_cuts_to_come?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 10, 2022 Idaho?s red-hot economy sets new record, more tax cuts to come Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little commented today on the news that monthly tax revenues exceeded $1 billion for the first time in state history for April, paving the way for more tax cuts and proving conservative principles of governing bring prosperity and strength to Idaho. April tax revenues came in at more than $1.2 billion, exceeding forecast by $574 million and putting the state on track to achieve a projected $1.3 billion surplus for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Governor Little is already planning for more tax cuts. ?Idaho?s record-setting economy is no accident. The continued strength of Idaho businesses and the health of our state budget prove our conservative approach to governing works. Idaho is the most conservative state in the nation ? we back the blue, empower parents, cut taxes, slash red tape, and rein in government spending continually, without exception. To Idahoans, I tell you this ? we have achieved historic tax cuts for you in the past few years, and we are not done yet. Our conservative principles mean more tax cuts are coming. You will be getting more of your hard-earned dollars back in your pockets and bank accounts. I?m so proud of our robust and resilient private sector and responsible approach to state budgeting,? Governor Little said. The April tax revenues report from the Division of Financial Management can be found here: https://dfm.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/publications/eab/gfrr/gfrr2022/gfrr_may2022.pdf # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Callihan, Communications Director 208-334-2100 or Emily.Callihan at gov.idaho.gov --? Sign up to receive news from Governor Little? Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri May 13 11:00:04 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 13 May 2022 17:00:04 +0000 Subject: Idaho to Receive Nearly $120 Million to Fight the Opioid Crisis Message-ID: [cid:image001.jpg at 01D866B5.FE441CA0] OFFICE OF GOVERNOR BRAD LITTLE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL LAWRENCE WASDEN NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 13, 2022 Idaho to Receive Nearly $120 Million to Fight the Opioid Crisis Drug Distributors and Johnson & Johnson Commit to $26 Billion Opioid Agreement (BOISE) ? Governor Brad Little and Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced today the final court approval of the $26 billion opioid agreement with the nation?s three major pharmaceutical distributors ? Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen ? and Johnson & Johnson. Idaho will receive $119 million. It?s the second largest consumer settlement in state history behind the 1998 national tobacco settlement. A judge in Ada County approved the settlement Wednesday. In Idaho, all 44 counties, 24 municipalities and Idaho?s seven health districts have signed on the agreement. Based on the full participation of eligible Idaho entities, the state will receive the full share of the money available to it. Idaho could receive its first settlement payment in the next several weeks. ?Opioid and substance misuse is one of America?s ? and Idaho?s ? growing problems. Idaho has made significant strides in recent years in combatting the opioid crisis, and the culmination of our legal action against opioid manufacturers ? led by Attorney General Wasden and his team ? now offers additional resources. Altogether, our investments and activities will turn the tide on the opioid crisis. Our coordination and focused efforts will bring about better education and prevention, more effective alternatives for pain, improved treatment options, and coordinated and enhanced mental health resources," Governor Little said. The Attorney General?s Consumer Protection Division led Idaho?s involvement in the settlement. Negotiations took three years. A total of 49 states signed on to the agreement, which resolves more than 4,000 claims of state and local government across the country. Wasden continues to litigate against other opioid manufacturers as well as the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma. ?This settlement holds some of those most responsible for the opioid crisis accountable and provides significant funding for treatment, recovery and prevention in Idaho,? Wasden said. ?These funds will be a huge asset to our state as it continues its recovery from the opioid crisis. I want to thank Governor Little and members of the Legislature for working closely with my office to ensure that these funds will help us move forward toward a healthier future for Idaho citizens. I also want to thank participating counties and cities, as well as the members of my team who worked so hard to execute this incredibly important settlement.? All funds must be spent on opioid remediation programs. Under the Idaho Opioid Settlement Intrastate Allocation Agreement, opioid settlement funds will be divided with 40-percent going directly to participating counties and cities and 20-percent to regional public health districts. The remaining 40-percent will be allocated to the State-Directed Opioid Settlement Fund to be appropriated by the Idaho legislature based on recommendations by the Idaho Behavioral Health Council. As part of the settlement, certain special districts were identified in each participating state based on the size of the population they serve. The special districts who participated in the settlements are North Ada County Fire & Rescue, Eagle Fire, Star Fire, Shelley Firth Fire, Nampa Fire Protection District, Middleton Fire, Kootenai Health, Madison County Fire, Meridian Rural Fire Protection District, Whitney Fire, Kuna Rural Fire, Blackfoot Snake River Fire District, Central Fire Protection District, Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, Northern Lakes Fire Protection, Moscow Fire, Bonneville County Fire Protection District #1, Caldwell Rural Fire, Twin Falls Rural Fire, North Bannock Fire, North Cassia Fire, Minidoka County Fire, Gem County Fire Prot. #1, West Ada School District and Boise School District. Information regarding Idaho?s opioid settlement may be found here. In addition to the funds, Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen will: * Establish a centralized independent clearinghouse to provide all three distributors and state regulators with aggregated data and analytics about where drugs are going and how often, eliminating blind spots in the current systems used by distributors; * Use data-driven systems to detect suspicious opioid orders from customer pharmacies; * Terminate customer pharmacies? ability to receive shipments, and report those companies to state regulators, when they show certain signs of diversion. * Prohibit shipping of and report suspicious opioid orders; * Prohibit sales staff from influencing decisions related to identifying suspicious opioid orders; and * Require senior corporate officials to engage in regular oversight of anti-diversion efforts. Johnson & Johnson is required to: * Stop selling opioids; * Not fund or provide grants to third parties for promoting opioids; * Not lobby on activities related to opioids; and * Share clinical trial data under the Yale University Open Data Access Project. # # #? ?? MEDIA CONTACTS: Scott Graf, Office of the Attorney General, 208-334-4112 or Scott.Graf at ag.idaho.gov Marissa Morrison Hyer, Office of the Governor, 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov ?? --? Sign up to receive news from Governor Little? Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 9695 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon May 16 13:27:56 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 16 May 2022 19:27:56 +0000 Subject: Idaho elections safe, secure as voters head to polls Tuesday Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2022 Idaho elections safe, secure as voters head to polls Tuesday Boise, Idaho ? As voters head to the polls Tuesday in counties big and small across Idaho, Governor Brad Little is assuring Idahoans of our state's history of safe and secure elections and highlighted new investments to continue our track record of election integrity. "Fair and free elections are a hallmark of Idaho?s proud representative democracy and the expectation of every Idahoan. Idaho has consistently demonstrated the utmost care and preparedness in administering safe and secure elections, giving Idahoans the confidence their vote counts. We championed new investments this year for proactive integrity audits and to boost cybersecurity defense and response so Idahoans can be assured election integrity remains our priority moving forward,? Governor Little said. Secretary of State Lawerence Denney, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, and Idaho Association of County Recorders and Clerks President Sharee Sprague (the Power County Clerk) also offered assurances. ?We look forward, following this election, to executing Idaho?s first statutorily mandated post-election random audit,? Secretary of State Lawerence Denney said. ?We are confident the results of these audits will reinforce the already stellar work being performed across Idaho in our 44 counties. Our elections processes and procedures provide an example for the nation and are something Idahoans should be proud of.? ?Because of the dedicated folks who oversee Idaho?s elections, I have confidence in the safety and integrity of our system going into Tuesday?s vote,? Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said. ?Thanks to ongoing efforts from leaders like Governor Little, Secretary Denney and the hard-working clerks all over the state, Idahoans should cast their ballots with the utmost confidence, knowing that the results will accurately reflect the will of the people.? "Elected clerks across the state are working tirelessly along with the Secretary of State?s Office to ensure another smooth election," Sharee Sprague, President of the Idaho Association of County Recorders and Clerks, said. "We take election security and integrity very seriously in Idaho. The investments made by the Governor and Legislature ensure all 44 counties have the tools needed to stop anyone trying to interfere with our elections. Idaho does elections very well, I am proud of that system and the people that administer the same in our great state. We look forward to everyone coming out and exercising their right to vote tomorrow." Anyone with questions or concerns about the election is encouraged to contact their county clerk directly. Contact information for all county clerks in the state can be found at https://voteidaho.gov/county-clerks. To further enhance the security of Idaho?s elections and give Idahoans confidence their vote counts, as part of his ?Leading Idaho? plan Governor Little this year sought and the Legislature approved $12 million for a new Cyber Response and Defense Fund to ensure the state is prepared to respond to any cybersecurity events that may occur with elections throughout the state. The Legislature also appropriated $50,000 in ongoing General Fund in FY22 and $200,000 in one-time General Fund for FY23 for proactive integrity audits to enhance transparency and confidence in the results of all Idaho elections. Governor Little also recently announced the recommendations from his Cybersecurity Task Force to better protect Idaho citizens, businesses, and elections from cyber-attacks. More information about Idaho election security can be found at https://voteidaho.gov/elections-security-faq/. # # #? ?? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary? 208-943-1686 or?marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov?? --? Sign up to receive news from Governor Little? Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed May 18 16:04:26 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 18 May 2022 22:04:26 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?Rm9yIHNlY29uZCB0aW1lIGluIDQwIHllYXJzLCBJZGFobyBzdGF0ZSBnb3Zl?= =?utf-8?B?cm5tZW50IHdvbuKAmXQgYm9ycm93IG1vbmV5IHRvIHN1cHBvcnQgY2FzaCBm?= =?utf-8?Q?low,_saving_taxpayer_dollars?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 2022 For second time in 40 years, Idaho state government won?t borrow money to support cash flow, saving taxpayer dollars Boise, Idaho ? Given the state?s strong economic growth, the State of Idaho will not borrow money in the bond market to meet anticipated cash flow requirements for the upcoming fiscal year. This is the second year since 1982 that Idaho will not issue a State of Idaho Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) to meet the anticipated cash flow requirements due to the time lag between when state revenue is received and when state expenses are incurred. ?This move is about good government and prudent management of taxpayer dollars. Given the uncertain economic times, we must minimize state borrowing and limit the amount of General Fund that is committed to interest payments on loans,? Governor Brad Little said. The move was approved today by the Treasurer?s Credit Rating Enhancement Committee. When the state issues TANs, the state pays interest to an external entity. In recent years the interest has averaged more than $15 million to a national bank. Those taxpayer dollars will be saved this year by not issuing the TAN. # # #? ?? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary? 208-943-1686 or?marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov?? --? Sign up to receive news from Governor Little? Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri May 20 16:01:16 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 20 May 2022 22:01:16 +0000 Subject: OPINION: Tax cuts, historic investments will continue when we work together Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, application Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 20, 2022 Tax cuts, historic investments will continue when we work together By Governor Brad Little Idaho voters made one thing clear this week - they approve of their state leaders' track record of unprecedented tax cuts and historic investments in education and infrastructure, and they want more of it. I am truly grateful that Idaho Republicans have entrusted me to continue serving as Governor. For the past three and a half years, I have felt the honor of serving the great State of Idaho in the good times and the tough times. Once again, I am humbled by the awesome opportunity to work for the good people of Idaho. To my family, our broad team of supporters, my many legislative partners, and the people of Idaho - thank you. Idaho's tremendous success is no accident. For years, Idaho has embraced conservative principles of governing to create an environment where businesses and individuals can thrive. With their votes this week, Idahoans gave their endorsement of our agenda - to show taxpayers their elected leaders work consistently to limit government spending, cut red tape, stand up for their values, make investments where they count, prepare for the hard times, and return their hard-earned dollars back to their bank accounts. It's what we've done successfully in the past and I'm personally committed to continuing to achieve for the people of Idaho in the future. The stakes are higher now than ever before. As dysfunctional policies at the national level and elsewhere in the country limit opportunity, Idaho must remain a beacon for capitalism, limited and accountable government, family, and freedom. These values must continue to dominate Idaho for many years to come. Success won't come by putting on blinders and working only with those who agree with us 100-percent of the time. Success can only come through solidarity and a willingness to work together. One of my heroes, President Ronald Reagan, said, "The Republican Party, both in this state and nationally, is a broad party. There is room in our tent for many views; indeed, the divergence of views is one of our strengths." His words were true then and perhaps truer now. During a primary election, the sliver of issues where we disagree gets all the attention. But like President Reagan said, that disagreement as a strength. It is not a flaw to overcome. It means our party is attracting a broad range of people. I congratulate all the candidates who put themselves out there during this primary election. I thank those who have served, and I look forward to working with the Idaho Legislature in the years ahead, especially the newcomers. I used to be a state senator, and I know a good working relationship between the executive and legislative branches is the key to success. So far, the Legislature and I have worked together to secure record tax relief and historic investments in education and roads, and we will continue that trend. It's time to band together and get back to delivering results and finding solutions to the issues facing families, our state, and our country. # # # 498 words -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 10484 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue May 31 09:50:47 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 31 May 2022 15:50:47 +0000 Subject: Richard Stover to lead Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 31, 2022 Richard Stover to lead Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Richard Stover as the new administrator of the Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources (OEMR). The office is responsible for coordinating energy and mineral resource planning and policy development for the State of Idaho. Stover replaces John Chatburn who left the post to join the Idaho Public Utilities Commission earlier this year. "I am grateful Rich Stover will be back to serve the people of Idaho in this new capacity. It is more important than ever that we develop our state's resources responsibly and efficiently to meet the needs of today and in the future. Rich is an intelligent and highly capable leader who will ensure Idaho remains at the forefront of these important issues moving forward," Governor Little said. Stover has been serving as Senior Counsel for Government Relations at Boise State University this year and was with Boise law firm Eberle, Berlin, Kading, Turnbow & McKlveen, Chtd., since 2005 where he served as shareholder and vice president and covered, in part, environmental and regulatory matters for private business as an attorney. He handled natural resources issues for Governors Phil Batt and Dirk Kempthorne, and has worked as assistant city attorney for the City of Boise and as a judicial extern for U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge. He is a board member for Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services, Inc., in Boise. Stover earned his bachelor's degree in politics and international relations from the College of Idaho and his law degree from the University of Idaho. "I appreciate Governor Little's confidence in me, and I look forward to working with a variety of stakeholders and my team as we lead the state's energy and mining priorities," Stover said. More information about OEMR is available at https://oemr.idaho.gov/. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor's press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news at gov.idaho.gov. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue May 31 14:21:55 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 31 May 2022 20:21:55 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little calls on Biden to rescind unprecedented climate disclosure proposal Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 31, 2022 Gov. Little calls on Biden to rescind unprecedented climate disclosure proposal Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little and 15 other governors issued a joint letter today to President Joe Biden and Chairman Gary Gensler of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expressing their concern with the SEC Climate Disclosure Proposal that would force publicly traded companies to disclose climate-change risks and greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed rule would harm businesses and investors by increasing compliance costs and by embellishing disclosure statements with information that the federal government and the SEC are not equipped to evaluate. The governors warn the proposed rule is just another example of federal overreach by the Biden administration and urge the SEC to withdraw the proposed rule. Amid skyrocketing inflation and an American energy crisis, Governor Little and other governors continue to fight regulations that increase costs and mandates on their states' businesses and people. Signatories to the letter include: Governors Brad Little (ID), Spencer Cox (UT), Kay Ivey (AL), Mike Dunleavy (AK), Doug Ducey (AZ), Asa Hutchinson (AR), Kim Reynolds (IA), Tate Reeves (MS), Mike Parson (MO), Greg Gianforte (MT), Pete Ricketts (NE), Doug Burgum (ND), Kevin Stitt (OK), Kristi Noem (SD), Greg Abbott (TX), and Mark Gordon (WY). Portions of the letter are included below: "On March 21, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed a rule that would compel publicly traded companies to make detailed disclosures about climate-change risks and greenhouse gas emissions. As governors, we are deeply concerned your proposed rule veers far outside the SEC's authority as a federal agency... ... "The unprecedented level of federal overreach makes your proposed rule an especially dangerous step. The SEC's congressionally directed mission is to protect investors, facilitate capital formation, and maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets. The proposed rule degrades and undermines that mission by injecting subjective political judgments on climate policy into corporate disclosures, in a manner calculated to harm the states that provide for America's energy security. ... "The approach in the proposed rule is especially foolish at a time when the cost of energy, and everything that depends on energy, has skyrocketed. Americans are struggling to pay their bills during the worst inflation in decades, and they expect their federal leaders to do everything possible to bring down prices, not place additional burdens on businesses and increase the uncertainty they face." View the signed joint letter here. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor's press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news at gov.idaho.gov. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: