THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
STATE OF IDAHO
BOISE

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 97-07


AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON HYDROELECTRIC AND RIVER RESOURCES

WHEREAS, Idaho's river system has, since statehood, been a vital factor in the lives of the people of the state and in the economy; and

WHEREAS, Idaho consumers enjoy rates for electrical energy that are among the lowest in the nation; and

WHEREAS, the restructuring of the electric utility industry and the relicensing of hydroelectric facilities will have important impacts on Idaho ratepayers and citizens) and

WHEREAS, it is in the state's best interests to explore the possibilities for preserving the benefits of Idaho's river system and low cost hydroelectricity for the ratepayers and citizens of Idaho; and

WHEREAS, it is in the state's best interests to continue efforts such as low-income energy assistance, universal service, conservation programs, and the research and development of alternative energy sources, which have traditionally been funded by the electrical industry.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP E. BATT, Governor of the State of Idaho, by the authority vested in me under the Constitution and laws of this state do hereby establish the Governor's Council on Hydroelectric and River Resources as follows:

I. The purpose of the Council shall be:

A. To establish guidelines and goals for the successful deregulation of the electrical industry, taking into consideration the social and/or fiscal impacts deregulation will have on Idaho's ratepayers and citizens, with the intent to protect and enhance access to low-cost, stable energy sources.

B. To recommend principles to govern power deregulation, river operations, and hydroelectric facility relicensing on behalf of Idaho's ratepayers and citizens, with the intent to protect and preserve water rights, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational uses of Idaho's natural resources.

C. To solicit ideas and suggestions from a variety of sources, including but not limited to Idaho's Delegation in the United States Congress, the Governors of the other states of the Pacific Northwest, the Northwest Power Planning Council, the Legislature, all relevant state agencies, electrical and natural gas utilities, consumers of electrical energy, organizations representing Idaho's water users, environmental and other public interest organizations, and the public. The Council shall provide to the Governor a written report of its advice and recommendations.

II. Composition

A. The Governor 's Council shall consist of:

1) A Chairman, appointed by the Governor
2) The Attorney General or his designee
3) A member of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission or his/her designee
4) The Director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game
5) The Director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources
6) The Chairpersons of the four citizen committees

B. The Governor's Council shall consult with, receive and consider recommendations from four separate citizen committees created and whose members shall be appointed by the Governor pursuant to this Executive Order. The Governor shall also appoint a chairman for each Committee.

1) A Hydropower Relicensing Committee (FERC Relicensing) which will analyze issues and make recommendations concerning the mitigation of impacts to fish, wildlife, and recreation associated with the relicensing of hydroelectric facilities in Idaho.

2) An Electric Restructuring Committee which will analyze issues and make recommendations concerning the potential restructuring of the electric energy industry.

3) A River Governance Committee which will analyze issues and make recommendations concerning the coordinated operations of the Columbia and Snake River system.

4) A Consumer and Public Purposes Committee which will analyze issues and make recommendations concerning the safety, reliability, and cost of energy, and to address the social and economic needs as they relate to low-income energy assistance, conservation programs, and alternative energy sources.

C. The Office of the Governor and the Northwest Power Planning Council will provide staff and administrative support to the Council. Duties of the staff will include:

1) Provide information and data to the Council and Committees.

2) Providing logistical coordination, record-keeping, and other project-related functions; and

3) Preparing any legislative proposals, budget submissions or other written materials as may be required by the Council.

D. The Council will invite and encourage representation from the Legislative Interim Committee on Electric Utility Restructuring.

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 29th day of May in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred ninety-seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred twenty-first and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred seventh.

___________________________

PETE T. CENARRUSA
SECRETARY OF STATE