Idaho

Idaho legislator introduces “gangster” excise tax for building new wind turbines

Published

1 year ago

February 25, 2025

Idaho legislator introduces “gangster” excise tax for building new wind turbines

BOISE, Idaho — On Monday, Idaho State Representative, Jeff Ehlers (R-Meridian) introduced House Bill 317to the Revenue and Taxation Committee, which would tax the future development of commercial wind turbines in the State of Idaho.

The bill would be “a local tax on windmills,” said Ehlers. He explained, “if the voters do not approve of such a project, an excise tax would be imposed on those wind turbines.” If approved, the bill would require wind turbine developers to pay $25,000 for each vertical foot of build.

Sen Risch presents copies of Trump’s order to halt Lava Ridge to community members in Twin Falls

Ehlers said that for the average wind turbine, the total build-out would require $2.5 million to be paid in excise tax. The money raised from this specific tax would go to the state tax commission to pay state refunds, then retained by the tax commission, and any excess would be paid into school district facilities, in that order.

In response to the bill’s introduction, Representative Edward H. “Ted” Hill (R-District 14) asked Ehlers, “How big is that excise tax? Are we going to go gangster on it and really make it hardcore? That’s what we want to hear.”

The question drew laughs from the committee. Ehlers replied, “Not sure if I’ve ever been accused of going gangster.”

“For the benefit of the committee, that qualifies as gangster in the eyes of the Chairman,” commented Revenue and Tax Committee Chairman, David M. Cannon.

The bill comes on the heels of an executive order issued by President Trump that effectively halted the development of the Lava Ridge Wind Project, which would have seen around 400 wind turbines built on Bureau of Land Management property in Lincoln County. The Idaho Conservation League estimated that the project would provide power to approximately 325,000 homes in the Magic Valley.

The Idaho Legislature has since issued a joint memorial voicing continued opposition to the project.

Rep Steve Berch (D – Boise) expressed some skepticism regarding the bill. “I’m going to support the motion to have a hearing on this, but I must say that I’m a little bit concerned about the notion of taxing the free market out of doing things that are legal and I’m concerned about the precedent this might set in others as well,” said Berch.

The bill will now receive an official hearing in committee.

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Idaho

Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8

Published

39 minutes ago

February 28, 2026

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Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Medicaid expansion, but local leaders say that coverage is now at risk.

According to the organizers of a town hall set for Saturday, February 28, proposed changes could severely impact Idaho’s rural hospitals and leave thousands of residents without access to healthcare.

The town hall, titled “Protecting What Works: Medicaid Expansion in Idaho,” will take place at Chubbuck City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

A panel of representatives from across the healthcare sector — including home health, hospitals, and public and community health — will answer questions about how Medicaid expansion works in Idaho and how potential cuts could affect communities. Organizers say there will also be time for audience questions.

One of the event organizers told Local News 8 why the discussion is important:

“There have been conversations in the last couple of legislative sessions about either fully repealing Medicaid expansion or making significant cuts to Medicaid,” Shantay Boxham, the organizer, said. “This is an educational forum to ensure voters and community members have the information they need about what the program is, what’s at stake, and how it supports Idaho and Idahoans.”

There are limited seats available for the meeting. To reserve a spot, visit members.pocatello.com.

Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and have updates tomorrow.

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Idaho

Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

Published

13 hours ago

February 27, 2026

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Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

Idaho takes pride in being a no-THC zone. Unlike our neighbors on all sides, the Gem State has taken a firm stance not to legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational use for years. This opposition long extended to the legalization of hemp, a plant relative of marijuana with far lower levels of the intoxicating chemical […]

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Idaho

Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on Feb. 26, 2026

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

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The results are in for the Idaho Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 26.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

Day: 9-8-5

Night: 3-0-0

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

Day: 9-8-4-2

Night: 9-7-2-1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

04-21-25-30-34

Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

03-14-22-50-57, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Idaho Lottery drawings held ?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Pick 4: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Lucky For Life: 8:35 p.m. MT Monday and Thursday.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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