Here's a news item from the Associated Press:  BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Senators voted 26-6 for industry-backed water quality rules governing how Idaho protects its lakes, rivers and streams. The measure already has House approval and now heads to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter. Idaho's Department of Environmental Quality last year drafted a water protection plan, but big companies including mining giants J.R. Simplot and Agrium were dissatisfied and brought Friday's bill with modifications. Democratic Sen. Elliot Werk of Boise blasted industry's changes, arguing they could prompt the Environmental Protection Agency to wrest water-quality management from the state. Werk said, "If the feds do impose their will on us, make sure you remember your vote today, instead of screaming about the feds." Republicans backers argued Idaho's waters remain protected — even as an appropriate balance is struck with companies whose activities affect them.

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