Councilman Nils Ribi encouraged Sun Valley elected officials Thursday, Jan. 19, to go on record to address the effects of the proposed coal fired power plant in Jerome County on the health, safety and welfare of its citizens.
"Citizens of Sun Valley are concerned about the possibility of this plant near Jerome," Ribi said.
At the special council meeting, Ribi proposed a resolution that articulates Sun Valley's desire, as represented by Blaine County, to participate in a joint planning process to evaluate matters relating to a proposed coal fire plant.
Sempra Generation proposes to build a $1.4 billion, 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant about nine miles northeast of Jerome in Jerome County.
The draft resolution states that the project would have substantial impacts—environmental, economic and social—upon areas outside of Jerome County. It formally requests that the Jerome County Board of Commissioners form a joint planning and zoning commission with Blaine County. Sun Valley would participate through cooperative efforts with Blaine County.
City Attorney Rand Peebles complemented Ribi, a newly elected councilman, on his proposal.
"I was really impressed by the background work and the background statements contained," Peebles said.
Evaluating Ribi's proposal, Peebles recommended that the city change the wording so that the contents would not rely on a single statute. Ribi referenced Idaho Code 67-6505 that allows for counties to become involved in the business of adjoining counties.
"Politically this is very delicate," Peebles said.
Peebles went on to recommend the city discuss the matter openly with Jerome and Lincoln counties and write a letter, which he viewed as a softer approach than a resolution.
"My thought is a resolution holds a heck of a lot more weight than a letter," Ribi said. "This would be a good statement from the city of Sun Valley."
Mayor Jon Thorson responded, "We are concerned about the coal-fired plant. They have not heard from us. We could drop a resolution on their desk. Some may take that as heavy handed."
Council president Lud Renick suggested the city start with a letter.
"I still believe it's very important for this council to take a stand through a resolution," Ribi said.
Thorson steered the city's course of action. The mayor indicated he would write a letter to the mayor of Jerome indicating that Sun Valley is considering the resolution. Thorson also said Blaine County should take the lead in implementing such a resolution.
Councilwoman Ann Agnew was not present at the meeting.
