ID H0737

Merges the Office of Species Conservation and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources into a new Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination within the Governor's office, effective July 1, 2026.

The administrator, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate, will serve as Idaho's primary liaison to federal natural resource agencies and oversee implementation of federal recovery plans for endangered species.

The office will coordinate state permitting processes for natural resource projects, serve as a cooperating agency for projects subject to federal environmental laws, and ensure state and federal agencies meet statutory timeframes for permits.

Renames the Species Conservation Fund to the Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination Fund and updates references in 14 existing Idaho Code sections to reflect the new office name.

Prohibits introduction or reintroduction of any species onto Idaho lands or waters without state consultation and approval, asserting state primacy over natural resource management.