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

Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on April 18, 2026

Published

2 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

The results are in for the Idaho Lottery’s draw games on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on April 18.

Winning Powerball numbers from April 18 drawing

24-25-39-46-61, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 5

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 18 drawing

Day: 9-5-1

Night: 0-2-4

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 18 drawing

Day: 4-6-0-4

Night: 9-9-8-2

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from April 18 drawing

18-21-22-32-42, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from April 18 drawing

08-19-22-31-44

Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 18 drawing

17-19-47-48-55, 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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Idaho

League of Women Voters of Idaho partners to host candidate forums ahead of 2026 primary elections

Published

14 hours ago

April 18, 2026

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League of Women Voters of Idaho partners to host candidate forums ahead of 2026 primary elections

The rotunda as seen on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

Ahead of the 2026 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Idaho is teaming up with several local groups to hold candidate forums and voter education events in the hopes of boosting voter turnout.

The groups invited all candidates for public office in Ada and Canyon County’s commissions, and in legislative district 11, which is in Canyon County.

The groups that are hosting include Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of University Women’s Boise branch and the College of Idaho’s Masters of Applied Public Policy Program.

Here’s when and where the forums are:

Ada County Commissioner District 2: 7-8:30 p.m. April 24 at Meridian City Hall, located at 33 E. Broadway Ave. in Meridian.
Ada County Commissioner District 1: 7-8:30 p.m. April 28 at Valley View Elementary School, located at 3555 N Milwaukee St. in Boise.
Legislative District 11: 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 30 at Caldwell City Hall, located at 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Canyon County Commissioner: 6-8 p.m. May 7 at Caldwell City Hall, 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.

Learn more about candidates at the League of Women Voters’ online voter guide, VOTE411.ORG.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

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Idaho

Check out Idaho’s newest license plate — with a patriotic flair (and no potatoes) – East Idaho News

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

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Check out Idaho’s newest license plate — with a patriotic flair (and no potatoes) – East Idaho News

BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho drivers wanting to celebrate America’s anniversary this year now have a unique way to do that. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has released an America 250 license plate to mark the occasion.

The new license plate includes an American flag on a blue background with the words “America 250” and the dates “1776 – 2026.”

The plate requires an extra fee that will go toward supporting the Idaho Heritage Trust, according to an Idaho Transportation Department news release. The specific fee wasn’t listed.

“This plate gives Idahoans a chance to mark a historic milestone and show their pride on the road,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV administrator, in a statement. “We’re proud to offer a design that honors our country’s past while supporting Idaho’s efforts to preserve its own history.”

The America 250 license plate was released to celebrate a historic national milestone. | Idaho Transportation Department

Idaho’s favorite license plate

The new license plate may give Idaho’s favorite a run for its money.

The Idaho Transportation Department recently held a “Battle of the Plates” vote to find out which license plate Idahoans loved best.

The Forests Forever plate was crowned the champion on April 7. Funds generated from this plate go toward Idaho replanting and reforestation projects, as well as environmental education programs for Idaho students and teachers.

“One of Idaho’s newest plates, Forests Forever made a strong run and came out on top, highlighting just how much Idahoans value our forests and natural resources,” the transportation department said in a social media post.