Category: Press Release

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, and farmers across Idaho are celebrating the final completion of a new water agreement that protects Idaho agriculture, conserves water for future generations, and safeguards state sovereignty over our most precious resource.

“It was a tough year of negotiations, but I never doubted our farmers could get this done! Idahoans have always solved our own problems, and the new mitigation plan charts a better path for all water users in the years ahead while ensuring Idahoans maintain control of our water destiny, not other states, the feds, or the courts. I am very proud of everyone involved for coming together and getting a new plan across the finish line. I am especially grateful to Lt. Governor Scott Bedke. He took on one of Idaho’s most significant policy issues and helped build the consensus needed to arrive at this milestone. Scott Bedke has demonstrated true leadership once again,” Governor Little said.

“We always knew where we wanted to end up – to maintain our strong agricultural economy and ensure water is available for future generations. This updated mitigation plan puts the long-term health of our state first by addressing the real water needs of today and tomorrow. This past year, we had some honest, candid conversations and faced many difficult realities. It was once everyone reconciled the fact that we are all stuck with each other that the real magic started happening. I am pleased our farmers put aside their differences to work toward a common goal, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the process,” Lt. Governor Bedke said.

“Water users across Idaho will greatly benefit from the new mitigation agreement along with all the resources the state and water users themselves have put forward for additional projects to conserve our water. I applaud Governor Little and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke for their continued support and leadership navigating these difficult issues. As chairman of the Idaho Water Board, I am confident we are making a positive impact on the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer,” Fremont County farmer and Idaho Water Resource Board Chairman Jeff Raybould said.

“Water is our most precious resource and highest-valued commodity here in Idaho, and in southern and eastern Idaho, that resource comes from the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. How we manage this finite resource is of the utmost importance to both today’s farmers and tomorrow’s generations. After many tough conversations these past few months with our groundwater neighbors about our water situation, our surface water members are pleased to have found a collective, long-term path forward for all water users. 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. The Surface Water Coalition is thankful for all involved parties for taking the time to come together and work to address our water crisis head on,” said Alan Hansten, Chair of the Surface Water Coalition.

“Our districts are pleased to usher in a new agreement that is respectful to the needs of all farmers. We have always said that a new agreement needs to do two things: protect our shared Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer and not dry up eastern Idaho farmland to do it. This agreement accomplishes both goals and incentivizes farmers to find new ways to support one another,” Representative Stephanie Mickelsen, chair of the Idaho Groundwater Appropriators, said. “We want to thank the leadership of Governor Brad Little and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, both of whom worked to give our members the support they needed to negotiate a respectful deal with our peers. We also appreciate the Surface Water Coalition and its members for its good-faith approach to creating this agreement. Most of all, we wish to thank our members and highlight their resiliency as they stood tall navigating a difficult situation in which their very livelihoods were at stake.”

The details of the agreement will be shared by the individual water users. The new agreement ensures agriculture can thrive in Idaho while protecting private property rights. Idahoans will continue to work on projects that benefit the aquifer.

Governor Little has been fully engaged in the water issues since taking office in 2019, including taking the following steps:

• Signing the Protecting Idaho Water Sovereignty Act (executive order) that 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.

BOISE, Idaho – Today, the 2024 Natural Resources Interim Committee met at the Idaho State Capitol and heard from the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) about the current status of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) Ground Water Management Plan and the ESPA Mitigation Plan. Lt. Governor Scott Bedke has served as a mediator, along with Idaho Water Resource Board Chairman Jeff Raybould, during the negotiations between the senior surface water users and junior groundwater districts and is pleased with the great progress that has been made to create and update these plans.

Lt. Governor Bedke released the following statement regarding IDWR’s confirmation that the mitigation plan is in the final stages for agreement:

“The Committee members heard today what I have been observing first-hand all year – that everyone benefits when we talk farmer to farmer to find a solution. The updated mitigation plan puts our best ideas together, outlining a path forward that follows Idaho law, keeps our agriculture industry flourishing, and supports the health of the ESPA,” said Lt. Governor Bedke. “The final touches are being added to the comprehensive plan as we speak, and then our farmers and irrigators will present their hard work to their peers in the next couple weeks for approval.”

“I appreciate the willingness of all our water users over the past few months to sit down together, address the real issues at hand, and then put in the work to find a communal path forward. That is the true Idaho way,” Lt. Governor Bedke continued.

The mitigation plan’s purpose is to create guidelines for the state to best manage surface and groundwater conjunctively; ensure senior water right holders receive their share of water as owed by Idaho’s prior appropriation doctrine; and inform junior water right users of their requirements to protect the ESPA and maintain safe harbor. The Surface Water Coalition and Idaho’s nine Ground Water Districts are expected to have a signed ESPA Mitigation Plan by November 14, 2024.

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Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, and others commented today on the news that surface water users and groundwater users are nearing the finish line on a new mitigation plan, in keeping with the “Protecting Idaho Water Sovereignty Act” executive order issued in June.

 

“Farmers working together to determine our water destiny has always been and will always be the best path for protecting agriculture and conserving water for today and future generations. The plan is nearing completion and given the positive momentum and the good faith efforts of all parties involved, we look forward to putting the finishing touches on a new agreement that provides certainty for all water users. It is important to note that the farmers are getting this done during their busiest time of year – harvest. My office has been intimately involved in the mitigation plan process and we have seen firsthand the value of farmers coming together, rolling up their sleeves, and finding solutions so WE control of our water, not other states or the federal government. I have talked to many farmers in eastern Idaho and the Magic Valley in the last two weeks, and I share their enthusiasm on the progress we’ve made. I have never doubted we could get this done,” Governor Little said.

 

Lt. Governor Bedke and other water policy leaders also voiced support for the significant progress on the new mitigation plan.

 

“The discussions have been tough yet honest, and I am incredibly pleased that Idaho’s water users have been able to get closer to having an agreement about how we move forward to protect our valuable resource. Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to sit at the table with both surface water and groundwater users and hash out the real concerns over the preservation and usage of Idaho water. Together, we have made a concerted effort to ensure continued water access, to uphold Idaho’s laws, and to protect our vital agricultural industry. These negotiations and open conversations needed to happen to tackle the real water challenges we are facing in southern and eastern Idaho. We are close to finalizing a fair solution and a long-term mitigation plan that will secure a reliable water supply for future generations,” Lt. Governor Scott Bedke said.

 

“Watching the ingenuity of farmers has been very rewarding since we started this process back in June. We are closing in on the terms of an agreement and I look forward to sharing it with farmers across eastern and southern Idaho and seeking their feedback. Obviously, with harvest ongoing on, it has been like working two full time jobs for people that serve on groundwater district boards and canal boards. I am very thankful for their hard work, late nights, early mornings, and commitment to getting a deal done that is good for all of Idaho,” Idaho Water Resources Board chairman Jeff Raybould said.

 

“We are grateful for the patience and support of our eastern Idaho farmers while the farming community came together to negotiate a set of terms we feel good about presenting to our members. We also appreciate the leadership from Governor Little, Lt. Governor Bedke and Chairman Raybould to facilitate this process and the good faith efforts from our peers at the SWC to move toward compromise. With the blessing of our Idaho farmers, we are confident we can move ahead with a water agreement that benefits everyone in Idaho,” Stephanie Mickelsen, chair of the Idaho Groundwater Appropriators, said.

 

“It has been an emotional few months of candid conversations and innovative thinking that has led us to nearing the completion of an updated stipulated mitigation plan. While our members are cautious about revisiting the original mitigation plan, we are encouraged by the collaborative process from all interested stakeholders that appears headed to what will be a long-term solution that helps ensure all water users’ needs are met. The Surface Water Coalition is proud of the work that has been done and of its members and their commitment to doing what is best for the longevity of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer in Idaho,” Alan Hansten, Surface Water Coalition chair, said.

 

The next step for the mitigation plan is the full review and approval by the groundwater district boards and canal boards and their memberships.

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Boise, Idaho – In a tersely worded letter to the White House today, Governor Brad Little and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke sent President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris a clear message – keep your hands off Idaho’s groundwater.

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) sent out a request for information earlier this year poking around for data and information on states’ groundwater.

“We are deeply concerned about your administration’s efforts to increase federal oversight of groundwater in the states,” Little and Bedke said in the letter. “Perhaps most alarming is the direct statement from PCAST that this effort is, ‘to support the development of a report to advance government-wide action on groundwater.’ It shouldn’t surprise either of you that Idahoans generally reject the term ‘government-wide action,” especially as it relates to our precious water.”

Little and Bedke outlined seven questions about the purpose of the information the White House is seeking that they say must be answered before the PCAST report should move forward.

“Management of water is a state issue. We do not invite or welcome the involvement of the federal government in making decisions about this precious resource,” Little and Bedke concluded in their letter.

Read the full letter to the White House here: https://lgo.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/letter-white-house-pcast-groundwater-grab.pdf

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IDAHO – After weeks of negotiations between Idaho’s surface water users and groundwater districts, a compromise has been reached between the two groups that effectively ends the potential water curtailment order from the Idaho Department of Water Resources. This temporary agreement ensures that eastern Idaho’s farmers will continue to have access to water this growing season.

Lt. Governor Scott Bedke released the following statement regarding the compromise agreement:

“The past few weeks have been difficult for everyone affected by this water crisis. The many hours of discussion and negotiation have highlighted areas of agreement as well as areas of deep disagreement among water users in the region. I appreciate that our southern Idaho surface water and groundwater users were able to put aside their differences and come together to create an equitable solution that guarantees no water is shut off, no Idaho laws are broken, and the crops already in the ground will be ready for harvesting,” said Lt. Governor Scott Bedke.

“But it’s imperative that those same parties understand their work is not finished,” Bedke continued. “We absolutely cannot go into another growing season without arriving at a mutually agreeable mitigation plan. There are still a number of significant details to work out before we can arrive at a solid, workable plan. We have the remainder of this year to come up with such a plan, so we won’t find ourselves in this same situation next June.”

According to 2024’s temporary agreement, all surface water and groundwater users in the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer will need to create and agree to a new water right plan that adheres to the Idaho Constitution’s prior appropriation doctrine of “first in time, first in right.” Per this new agreement, a more permanent plan between senior and junior water right holders must be reached by early this fall.

“I’m a fourth-generation Idaho rancher and farmer, and my roots run deep into Idaho’s soil. So all Idaho farmers are important to me – and vitally important to our state economy and to every citizen. All Idaho farmers deserve to know what their water allotment will be each year so they can meet their business and contractual obligations,” the Lt. Governor said.

“Water is our most precious natural resource, and we absolutely need to find a fair long-term solution that guarantees a predictable water supply into the future. It is the responsibility of all water users to leave the aquifer healthy for generations to come,” Bedke said. “As Lieutenant Governor and as an Idaho farmer, I am willing to use my office and my experience to facilitate the ongoing negotiations that will be necessary to get there.”

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IDAHO – Surface water and groundwater users are currently negotiating an agreement to avoid the water curtailment order from the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR).

Lt. Governor Scott Bedke and Governor Brad Little have been actively working to facilitate these necessary discussions between Idaho’s surface water users and groundwater districts to find a compromise that keeps the crops wet this growing season.

“Water is life, and what we do with our allotted amount now will impact our future generations. I am committed to working with Governor Little and all affected parties to find a fair and equitable solution for Idaho’s water users,” said Lt. Governor Bedke.

“Since the last agreement between the surface water and groundwater users eight years ago, we have learned a couple of things for what a long-term solution requires: it must include an averaging component or details around the concept of water blocking. Our farmers deserve to know what their water allotment will be each year before they plant to meet their business and other obligations.”

“Agreements between farmers and water users are always better than ones made by the government or in a courtroom. I am optimistic that our water users will find a path forward that can meet the requirements for 2024, as well as come back to the table to craft an agreement to ensure our future generations have access to a predictable water supply.”

Click here to read the IDWR Director Mathew Weaver’s June 5 letter.

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JOINT NEWS RELEASE

Office of Governor Brad Little
Office of Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke
Office of U.S. Senator Mike Crapo
Office of U.S. Senator Jim Risch
Office of Congressman Mike Simpson

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, U.S. Senator Jim Risch, and Congressman Mike Simpson reacted today to the news that the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a final environmental impact statement today approving the Lava Ridge Wind Project in south-central Idaho after strong public opposition.

“This is the latest example of the Biden Administration’s unsound energy agenda. The BLM is determined to give California electricity from Idaho despite overwhelming opposition from Idahoans and contrary to formal actions by Idaho’s county, state, and federal elected officials, including federal legislation and federal law. I do not agree with BLM’s conclusion that the effects of this extraordinarily complex proposal are ‘not significant.’ It may not matter in Washington, D.C., but it matters to those of us who live here,” Governor Little said.

“Our public lands have long been utilized for multiple uses that meet the needs and fulfill the benefits of Idahoans. Ranching, farming, and recreation are a major part of the Magic Valley’s heritage. While domestic energy production is an emerging part of a necessary conversation, the BLM disregarded Idahoans’ input on a project that is in our backyard and, instead, favored Californians energy needs. Simply put, California will reap the benefits and Idaho will get all the negative impacts. We will know California is serious about green energy when we see wind turbines in Hollywood’s hills,” Lt. Governor Bedke said.

“The Federal Government should stop ignoring Idahoans on Lava Ridge. Countless Idahoans have spoken out and continue to speak out against the Lava Ridge Wind Project as they know what is best for their land and livelihoods. This decision by the BLM shows the utmost disdain for the people most affected by this obtrusive and unwanted wind project. I will continue to fight with the people of Idaho in opposition to this project,” U.S. Senator Crapo said.

“Idahoans could not be more clear that they do not support Lava Ridge. Yet, for some reason, the BLM continues to push forward this project that no one in Idaho wants. This is not over—I will continue to fight this unnecessary and ill begotten project,” U.S. Senator Risch said.

“This final Environment Impact Statement is a slap in the face to Idahoans. Despite widespread opposition at the local, state, and federal levels, the Bureau of Land Management is continuing to recklessly move forward with the Lava Ridge Project. From the start, I have made it clear that I expect the BLM to listen to and incorporate the concerns of those directly affected by the project. I authored language—passed by Congress and signed into law by the President—directing the Department of the Interior to reengage and seek feedback from the stakeholders on alternative plans before moving forward with Lava Ridge. The Department failed to meet the language requirements of that law. The Lava Ridge Project is out-of-touch and has absolutely no place in the Magic Valley. I will continue fighting to ensure that Idahoans’ voices are heard,” Congressman Simpson said.

Little, Bedke, Crapo, Risch, and Simpson listened to Idahoans and communicated their deep concerns with the proposal in a letter to the BLM Idaho State Director last year.

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BOISE, Idaho – Lt. Governor Scott Bedke is urging Idahoans to prepare for the federal REAL ID Act deadline on May 7, 2025, exactly one year from today. Starting next May, any U.S. traveler that is 18 years and older will need a REAL ID, such as an Idaho Star Card, U.S. Passport, military identification, or other form of federally accepted ID, to board commercial flights and enter certain federal facilities.

With only 49% of Idahoans currently holding a Star Card, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke joined the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today at the Boise Airport to remind Idaho residents to get their Star Card before the upcoming deadline.

“The federal deadline for the REAL ID will be here before we know it, so to avoid any disruptions to your future travel plans, now is the time to get your Star Card from your local DMV,” said Lt. Governor Bedke.

To get a Star Card, which is an Idaho Driver’s License or ID card, Idahoans will need to provide documents to verify their identity, social security number, and Idaho residency. These documents include a birth certificate, social security card, and two proofs of residency, such as a mortgage statement or current utility bill.

To streamline the application process, residents can use the “Add the Star” tool on the Idaho DMV’s website (https://itd.idaho.gov/starcard/) or call or visit their county’s DMV office for further assistance.

FORT HALL, Idaho – More than 88% of Idaho is classified as rural, and these local communities and businesses are the backbone of our state. Lt. Governor Scott Bedke recently attended the Idaho Rural Success Summit in eastern Idaho, an annual event that is designed to offer resources to help the Gem State’s rural communities thrive.

Lt. Governor Bedke, along with Governor Brad Little, provided opening remarks to the attending community members, businesses, and stakeholders. The Rural Success Summit held key presentations and panels that focused on empowering rural business, promoting community health, and supporting critical industry development.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have both been able to attend and speak at this year’s Idaho Rural Success Summit,” said Lt. Governor Bedke. “The event showcases the ways Idahoans come together to support rural communities and businesses alike. I look forward to seeing this event continue for years to come as we help rural Idaho thrive.”

The third annual Rural Success Summit provided a platform for community leaders and business owners to share their experiences and knowledge to help every Idaho community succeed.

BOISE, Idaho – Lt. Governor Scott Bedke will be attending the Ada County Board of Commissioners’ Treasure Valley Water Summit today to discuss the importance of long-term planning for water management in Idaho.

Planning ahead for the Gem State’s water usage is essential due to the state’s unique environmental and demographic challenges. Idaho faces a growing demand for water resources driven by agricultural, industrial, and residential needs. With a significant portion of Idaho’s economy reliant on agriculture, ensuring sustainable water availability is crucial for maintaining productivity and livelihoods. Moreover, as the state’s population continues to grow, particularly in urban centers like Boise and Coeur d’Alene, the pressure on water resources will intensify. Long-term planning allows for the development of strategies that balance these competing demands, ensuring that future generations have access to adequate and clean water supplies.

“Delaying and pushing decisions into the future will inevitably limit our choices. Look no farther than the conditions found Utah, Arizona, and southern Nevada to understand the importance of the need to act now to plan for our water future,” said Lt. Governor Bedke.

Lt. Governor Bedke thanks Ada County Commissioner Tom Dayley for bringing forward this critical issue today at the Treasure Valley Water Summit, and the entire Board of Commissioners for proactively addressing Idaho’s water needs.