The House is now debating HB 337, the wind energy rebate bill. First, the four-page bill was read in full; now it's being vigorously debated. The bill extends the current renewable energy rebate through Dec. 31, 2014, provided that if it's for wind or solar, the company will have to have obtained a power purchase agreement with a utility by Oct. 31, 2011.

Rep. Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, said Idaho will need to address questions about siting of wind power turbine plants, just as it has confined-animal feeding operations.

Meanwhile, the Senate broke for lunch and committee hearings and will reconvene at 3 p.m. Before senators wrapped up, bills they passed included the appropriation bills for public health districts and the Office of Drug Policy and HB 205a, the amended bill regarding Internet filtering requirements at Idaho libraries.
 

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