Idaho Farmers Reach Agreement Over Water
In November, the Governor’s office in Idaho published a press release stating that Idaho’s agricultural community, including ground and surface water rights holders, had agreed on a mitigation plan for water use.
The release from the Governor's office outlined the plan set forth by Lt. Governor Scott Bedke.
They had the following goals outlined:
- Maintain Idaho’s strong agricultural economy
- Ensure water is available for future generations
- Protect the shared Easter Snake River Plain Aquifer
- Maintain Eastern Idaho farmland
- Protect private property rights
- Maintain control of Idaho’s water destiny, keeping it out of the control of other states, the federal government, or court systems
The release also noted that “The updated stipulated mitigation plan includes provisions that will protect the health and supply of the ESPA, avoid future injury to our constitutional senior water rights, and keep Idaho's agricultural industry thriving.”
Farmers and water users in Idaho spent several days discussing their needs, priorities, and potential solutions. The stakeholders led the conversation to ensure the best possible outcome was achieved.
Idaho Governor Brad Little praised Lt. Governor Scott Bedke for taking on and resolving one of Idaho’s most significant policy issues – water for agriculture. Little stated, “Idahoans have always solved our own problems, and the new mitigation plan charts a better path for all water users in the years ahead.”
In addition to the notice about the agreement, the release listed additional work the governor’s office has embarked on regarding water issues in the state:
- Signing the Protecting Idaho Water Sovereignty Act (executive order). This act charted a path forward on a new long-term agreement that is driven by Idaho farmers, not government bureaucrats.
- Working with the Legislature to put half a billion dollars toward water quantity investments over the past three years.
- Putting an additional $10 million to improve health of Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer this summer.
- Hosting a Water Summit in August of 2023 with hundreds of Idaho stakeholders to identify challenges and potential solutions to water issues in Idaho.
- Directing the Idaho Department of Water Resources to create the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer Groundwater Management Plan Advisory Council, which has met regularly since 2023 with a goal of creating a groundwater management plan for the aquifer.
- Pushing back on the Biden-Harris administration’s attempt to grab Idaho’s groundwater.
Link to the original press release HERE