Idaho Sierra Club

Last weekend's Flotilla was a wonderful gathering of friends, relations, and supporters rallying to save our salmon from extinction. Led by Nimiipuu elders and graced with speech and song by Nez Perce Chairman Shannon Wheeler, the event made it clear that removing the dams, freeing the river, and saving the salmon are so critical to the Nimiipuu people, and many other Tribes in the Northwest. 🐟📢

It also highlighted the significance of Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment's canoe project, bringing youth together every week to carve traditional canoes from giant logs. Watching them get to paddle their canoes down the river was a powerful sight! 🛶

Thank you to Julian Matthews, Chairman Wheeler, and all the Nimiipuu elders who made this event so impactful! 💚

📸 Photos 1-8 by Gessler Nature Photographiy (thank you!)

"Idaho Power shut off some people's electricity. In this heat? Are you kidding?" – A headline that says it all. ☀️

"It’s ironic. We have a technology that would put more electricity into the grid, particularly on days when it’s most needed, but in order to protect the revenues of the power company, we make it less feasible to do so." 👏📢🔥

Read more at: https://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/from-the-opinion-editor/article290401184.html

Idaho Power shut off some people’s electricity. In this heat? Are you kidding? | Opinion Every rooftop in the Treasure Valley should have solar panels. | Opinion

Communities can power their own just clean energy transition! Solar co-ops, like the one that Solar United Neighbors helped organize, allow whole blocks of neighbors to go solar at the same time. Learn more at the 🔗 https://bit.ly/4bNKKOM

🌲 For far too long, profit-hungry corporations have seen our oldest forests only for the value of their timber. But the value of old-growth and mature forests is much more significant. Mature forests -- or "future old-growth" -- represent the majority of the national forest system and, overall, hold the majority of stored carbon. Preserving these trees and allowing them to develop into old-growth will protect our clean water and clean air, safeguard wildlife habitats, and offer a much-needed buffer against the worst impacts of the climate crisis. 🌎

➡️ Take action: https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/National?actionId=AR0449168 🔗

Sierra Club

Check out the recording of yesterday's Tribal Voices Matter webinar, where our staff member Julian Matthews spoke!

Tribal Voices Matter: The Rights of Nature, The Rights of the Snake Join speakers Elizabeth Dunne and Julian Matthews as they discuss the rights of nature, and the rights of the inhabitants of the Snake River Elizabeth Dunne...

We had so much fun on our first OUTdoors Idaho backpacking trip last weekend! The views were incredible, and it was so wonderful to build community with wonderful folks who care about Idaho's outdoors and share our values. 🌲🏳️‍🌈

Big thank you to all of our leaders, to everyone who joined us, and especially for sharing your expertise along the way–from planning to venturing out! 💚

Check out all the cool photos from our trip! 📸

☀️📢 Solar Power For The People: Rally at the Capitol! 🪧☀️

➡️ (New Start Time!) Join us for a community-wide rally to advocate for affordable and accessible rooftop and community solar power in Idaho! Rooftop and community solar provide so many benefits to our local communities, economy, electric grid, and climate. Let’s raise our voices in support of locally-owned solar, and pushback against Idaho Power’s ongoing attempts to suppress it!

This big event will include live music, entertaining street theater, and a range of powerful speakers from various nonprofit organizations, local solar companies, and community leaders making their voices heard for equitable local solar!

More info & rsvp at sc.org/idsolarrally 🔗 link in bio!

Sat, August 17th | 10am MT | Idaho Capitol Building



Hosted by & cosponsored by Empowered Solar, Portneuf Resource Council, , , , , , + more!

Join and for a collaborative Art by the River outing on Saturday, July 27th! 🎨✨Come hangout with us by the Boise River and explore the beauty of nature through art—no special skills needed! We’ll have colored pencils and coloring sheets made by local artists, paints, and participants are welcome to bring whatever medium or craft they’d like to work on! 🖌️🪡 Not sold yet? We’ll also have free food for folks 🤤

Sat, July 27th | 6pm | Meet @ Diane Moore Nature Center Parking lot (directions on RSVP page)

More info + registration in our bio 🔗

🥾 Join us for a community hike along Tubbs Hill Trail! We'll meet at the McEuen Park Restrooms for introductions, then embark on a 1.5-hour hike, stopping along the way to take in the views. 🏞️

➡️ This hike is great for people who enjoy shorter, gentler trails, and is an opportunity for Coeur d'Alene-area Sierra Club supporters to spend time outdoors and build community in a safe and inclusive space. We'll also be sharing how to get involved with our current campaigns to advance equitable clean energy and Indigenous-led salmon recovery in Idaho—so bring your curiosity, as well!

Wed, Jul 17th | 6pm PT | Meet @ McEuen Park Restrooms, CDA

🔗 RSVP in bio 🔗

Did you know that forests absorb and store carbon better than any other ecosystem?

They can store carbon in soils, organic matter, and living and dead trees. Older trees generally absorb more carbon each year than their younger counterparts, making old forests one of our most valuable climate solutions.

And the vast majority of our older forests are on federally managed lands – especially our . That is why we are asking the U.S. Forest Service to stop logging old-growth forests and protect "mature" (aka future old-growth) trees too! Take action at the 🔗 https://bit.ly/4eQv14e

Join us at this important event led by Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment! Bring your kayak, canoe, or paddle board (or just yourself!) and join the "rally on the river" for dam removal and salmon recovery! 🐟🛶

📢 Several NW Tribes (and their own canoes) and Native speakers will join this event, and a delicious tribal homemade salmon meal with fry bread will be provided as lunch for everyone who attends!

🗓️ Sat, July 20th | 9am PT | Hells Gate State Park, Lewiston

🔗 More info & rsvp here: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q0000029dQFAAY

🚨 Attention Rocky Mountain Power customers in eastern Idaho!

Rocky Mountain Power is developing a dirty, expensive proposal to burn coal and methane for the next 20 years 🏭 Join this call tomorrow (Tues) morning to learn more and find out how you can have a direct impact on the utility's planning process (like joining the utility's public meeting directly after this prep call!) ✊

Prep Session: Weigh in on Rocky Mountain Power's dirty-energy plan Get together remotely with your fellow Sierra Club activists to learn how to participate, ask questions, and make comments at the PacifiCorp 2025 Integrated Resource Plan virtual meeting, which starts at 10 a.m. Mountain. We'll talk about how to participat

“Conserving what remains of our oldest forests is undoubtedly a positive step towards climate action. We look forward to engaging in this process to ensure the amendment not only retains, but increases, the amount of old-growth forests across the country,” said a written statement from Sierra Club forest campaign manager Alex Craven. 👏🌲

https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4732118-old-growth-forests-protections-proposal-biden-administration/

Biden administration proposes to limit cutting old-growth trees The Biden administration is proposing new protections for old-growth forests, but stopping short of blocking all logging of the carbon-storing plants.  The Forest Service on Thursday proposed …

❤️💛💚 It's Juneteenth! Today marks the day in which the last enslaved people in Texas were finally freed, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was initially issued. We're celebrating and honoring the black excellence in our communities and standing in solidarity with the Black community in the ongoing fight for collective liberation and justice.

We also acknowledge that the fight for climate justice and racial justice are inextricably linked—we cannot talk about climate without recognizing that the same extractive systems that fuel the climate crisis are also responsible for disproportionately and intentionally burdening Black communities with environmental pollution and industrial hazards.

Looking for local Black-led groups to supports? Check out .idaho, , , and others to find ways to support and get involved.

Join Sierra Club for art & tabling to protest coal pollution in National Parks & Monuments! 🎨✊🏞️

The Regional Haze Rule, a program established under the Clean Air Act, could be one of the most effective ways to clean up air quality and visibility in iconic national parks like Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park on the border of Idaho and Wyoming (and protected National Monuments in Idaho like Craters of the Moon!), by creating restrictions on coal plant pollution in the region.

This week, Sierra Club and partners will be holding in-person events in Grand Teton National Park promoting enforcement of the Regional Haze rule to continue our efforts to try to SHUT DOWN polluting coal plants in WY & UT (all owned by PacifiCorp / Rocky Mountain Power, one co-owned by Idaho Power).

🖌️ Art Build: Thurs, June 20, 5:30pm, Phil Baux Park, Jackson, WY - we'll assemble a banner and signs to help upcoming tabling events stand-out and catch the eye of park visitors. Snacks and info about this campaign will be provided!

🗣️ Tabling (& camping!): Fri-Sun, June 21-23, Grand Teton National Park, contact Conor if interested: [email protected]

Graphic caption: Shows widespread impact of pollution from JUST the Hunter coal plant in the region, as one example - there are OTHER coal plants in UT & WY not indicated here that MULTIPLY this effect throughout the region.



Sierra Club - Wyoming Chapter Utah Chapter Sierra Club Powder River Basin Resource Council National Parks Conservation Association Portneuf Resource Council Snake River Alliance Sierra Club

This is what q***r joy looks like 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Thank you to the wonderful for capturing our Pride Month Hike in early June, in collaboration with . As you can see, it was a day full of laughter, camaraderie, sunshine, and community 🥾☀️

Stay tuned for upcoming events with OUTdoors Idaho, our Chapter’s LGBTQ+-Only Outings Program (spots still available for our July beginner backpacking trip👀 link in bio!)

***routdoors

🚨 ACTION ALERT: Speak-out against the proposal that will pollute our beloved and !

🧑‍💻 Virtual Hearing: TONIGHT! Thurs, June 13, 6pm MT, login info here: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q0000029Z2tAAE

🪧 In-Person Hearing (and rally!): TUESDAY, June 18, 6pm, Best Western Vista Boise, near Boise Airport, info here: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q0000029Z2yAAE

✍️ Comments Due: Thurs, June 27, comment link here: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q0000029Z38AAE

Idaho Rivers United Idaho Conservation League Advocates for the West Golden Eagle Audubon Society

📷 Photo: Sierra Club volunteers explore site of proposed CuMo Mine in the Boise National Forest

TONIGHT! 6pm. Attend this virtual hearing from the comfort of your home and urge the Forest Service to PROTECT THE BOISE RIVER from this horrible mining project!

(in-person hearing near Boise airport next Tuesday evening, we need a big turnout, stay tuned for more info soon!)

Idaho Rivers United Idaho Conservation League Advocates for the West Golden Eagle Audubon Society

CuMo Mine Public Hearing (Virtual) Attend this hearing to stand in opposition to the CuMo mine project, which will pollute the Boise River!

WIN! Check out this great article that describes the case and the outcome.

"...the Sierra Club wrote in opposition to the utility’s request. 'Strikingly, (Rocky Mountain Power) seeks to avoid paying out rightful damages should it again be found grossly negligent, without the burden of committing to any additional actions that would reduce the risk of wildfire in the first place.' ...Rose Monahan, a staff attorney for the Sierra Club, described Rocky Mountain Power’s liability application as an audacious request. Monahan said the Idaho Public Utilities Commission issued a well reasoned decision that protected customers.”

Idaho Public Utilities Commission denies Rocky Mountain Power request to limit liabilities • Idaho Capital Sun Rocky Mountain Power asked to limit its liability to actual damages, not punitive or noneconomic damages, even in cases of gross negligence.

🎉 VICTORY! Last month the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) formally rejected mega-utility PacifiCorp's request to limit it's responsibility to pay for damages for wildfires it causes (a preposterous request, indeed!) 🔥💰 Owned by billionaire Warren Buffet, PacifiCorp is a coal-heavy monopoly utility that provides electricity to customers in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California (the utility's name in eastern Idaho is "Rocky Mountain Power"). Idaho was the first state to deny PacifiCorp's request, then followed by other states.

📜 The Idaho PUC noted in its decision that PacifiCorp's request is simply against public policy. They found that even if PacifiCorp had included limitations where they would still be liable for gross negligence, it would still be against the public interest, largely because the public has no say in whether they enter into a "contract" with PacifiCorp for electricity service.

✊ Sierra Club was the only organization to submit comments to the Idaho PUC opposing PacifiCorp's request, and mobilize public comments, as well. Thanks to our attorney and all the folks who submitted public comments! We'll keep working to defend Idaho ratepayers from these ridiculous moves by corporate utilities to put profit before people and the planet! 🌎

Front page of the Sunday Idaho Press 😲🗞

🗣 “Endangered species management, and in particular with these large carnivore species, has always been very political,” said Nick Gevock, a Sierra Club wildlands and wildlife field organizer for the Northern Rockies. “I think this office just takes it to a whole new level.”

Read the full story here: https://www.facebook.com/Idaho.Press/posts/pfbid0hYZEVznZuXz1bedCgqzr7Rs936eV5HKZuxzPrsYMpQdiEivvrFLVgNj2LtVHnzvul

Thank you Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment & the Painted Horse drum & dance group from the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes for such a powerful event and experience this weekend at the Tribal, Environmental & Cultural Summit in McCall, Idaho!

Thanks to all the organizations and individuals who participated, helped out, and attended, including:
Sierra Club, Idaho Rivers United, Save The South Fork, The International Wildlife Coexistence Network, and so many others!

👀 Just a lil heads up...! 😍

OUTdoors Idaho, our LGBTQ-only outings group, is hosting a beginner backpacking trip at Upper Hazard Lake (near McCall) on July 13-14. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏕

SAVE THE DATE: Registration opens Friday, June 14th at 5pm. There will only be 11 spots available, so make sure to set an alarm and register as soon as you can once registrations open! Check on social media or our website for the registration link once it goes live: sierraclub.org/idaho ⏰🗓📲

***routdoors

Interested in becoming an Outings Leader with Idaho Sierra Club? Join this info session to learn more about the leader training process, and meet other outings leaders who have led awesome trips in the community! Possible trips you could lead include hikes, camping/backpacking trips, bike rides, caving outings, and other adventures that you have experience in. 🥾🚣‍♂️🚴‍♂️⛺️⛷🏞🌈

Wed, June 12th | 5:30pm MT | Hybrid (ISC Office or Virtual) | Snacks will be provided! | Registration link: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q0000029WQgAAM

Following in Idaho Power's footsteps, Rocky Mountain Power is trying to make rooftop solar less affordable for folks in Eastern Idaho!

📢 This is a critical time to SPEAK UP and oppose these changes in front of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Tell the PUC to listen to The People and outside experts who have proven that the utility's calculations for rooftop solar rates are biased and misleading, and that rooftop solar provides tons of valuable benefits for our communities!

☀️Write a comment by June 13 and/or attend the public hearing in Idaho Falls on June 17. Comment portal & hearing details here: http://tinyurl.com/RMPsolarstudy

Idaho Organization of Resource Councils, Portneuf Resource Council, Snake River Alliance, Vote Solar, RevoluSun Idaho, Climate Action Coalition of the Wood River Valley

Last night, our OUTdoors Idaho group got together with to kick off pride month🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧ We split into two hiking groups, explored several of the beautiful trails in the Hillside to Hollow Preserve, and learned more about native and invasive plants from . We reunited after to wrap up the evening with a full-group picnic at Camel’s Back Park 🧺 Thank you so much to all our amazing volunteer OUTdoors Idaho leaders—Chelsea, Jennifer, Shea, Richard, and Kirsten—who helped make this event possible!

Photo credit: Jennifer James and

***routdoors

On Wednesday night, our OUTdoors Idaho group got together with to kick off pride month🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧ We split into two hiking groups, explored several of the beautiful trails in the Hillside to Hollow Reserve, and learned more about native and invasive plants from . We reunited after to wrap up the evening with a full-group picnic at Camel’s Back Park 🧺 Thank you so much to all our amazing volunteer OUTdoors Idaho leaders—Chelsea, Jennifer, Shea, Richard, and Kirsten—who helped make this event possible!

Photo credit: Jennifer James and

***routdoors

“They could retire these coal plants and replace them with clean energy and save customers billions of dollars,” Sierra Club staff attorney Rose Monahan said. “Instead of moving forward with clean resources, they’re doubling down on fossil fuels.” 🤢

Read: Column: Here are the 32 coal plants still powering the American West

https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2024-04-25/column-here-are-the-32-coal-plants-still-powering-the-american-west-boiling-point?sfmc_id=65206f2a720486302913ca38&skey_id=63524a54f91d57432e4f728755783e7557370e41fc1949df43596c729ceac7db&utm_id=35155238&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NLTR-Email-List-Boiling%20Point&utm_term=Newsletter%20-%20Boiling%20Point

“This Revised Plan threatens animals that are sacred and important to the Nimiipuu people, including salmon, grizzlies, and elk,” said Julian Matthews, Coordinator of Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment. “It’s shameful to see the Forest Service propose actions that would actually take us backward on species recovery efforts that it’s supposed to move forward.” 🌲🐻❌

https://missoulacurrent.com/nez-perce-clearwater-forest/

Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest meeting leaves groups uneasy After the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest had to schedule three days to hear all the public objections to its new Forest Plan, conservationists aren’t optimistic that much will change before the forest supervisor issues her final decision.