Senate Bill 1273 Summary

• Adds Chapter 18 to Title 61, Idaho Code, establishing the "Grow Green Idaho Jobs Act" to expedite permitting for renewable energy projects by state agencies and local governments.

• Defines eligible renewable energy technologies including fuel cells, low-impact hydro (25+ kilowatts), wind, geothermal, biomass, cogeneration, solar, and landfill gas facilities.

• Requires developers to conduct informal public workshops at least 14 days before filing, with notice issued to newspapers, radio, and television stations in affected areas.

• Mandates all renewable energy projects comply with the current National Electrical Safety Code published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

• Establishes a sunset date of January 1, 2013, though applications filed before that date remain valid until final approval; does not preempt state or local jurisdiction over employee health and safety, wages, labor regulations, or other design issues unrelated to facility siting.