Legislators congratulated themselves after last session for updating the state energy plan for the first time since 1982. But since then, a string of catastrophic wildfires were blamed on climate change, Idaho Power Co. proposed 10-percent rate increasea and a second company announced plans to build a nuclear power plant in Idaho.

Legislators say it's already time to take another look at energy - this time with a careful eye on sustainability, conservation and compromise.

Democrats are expected to again push for state involvement in nuclear power plant permits. Republicans blocked Democrats' efforts to include a clause in last year's energy plan update that would have established a state siting authority. Republicans wanted to leave siting issues up to county commissioners.

This session, House Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, plans to introduce legislation that would establish a siting board composed of state agencies and county and city representatives from within 50 miles of the proposed plant. That board would make a recommendation to county commissioners, who would still have final say.

"I think what we need in our state is balance," Jaquet said. "I think what our local people really want is a voice, but they may not have the expertise to make those decisions."

The bill would also require permit applicants to pay for independent research the board would consider in its decision-making process.

Many Republicans, including Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, laud complete local control. They want the state to serve only in an advisory role, with county commissioners having final say over power plant siting.

Jaquet's bill could be a compromise between total state authority and local control.

Several Magic Valley voters, however, want a different approach. Residents, including Twin Falls nuclear activist Peter Rickards, are floating a bill they've drafted to several area legislators that would require a statewide ballot initiative to grant power plant permits. They based the wording on existing laws in Oregon and Washington. Legislators have expressed interest in the bill but are yet to say whether they will sponsor it.

Other legislation to expect:

• Climate change - Democrats are expected to push a resolution that would set state goals for reducing Idaho's carbon footprint. Republicans, including Rep. Sharon Block, of Twin Falls, say similar legislation could come from the conservative side of the aisle, as well.

"Climate change is a major concern," Block said. "And there are impacts we're already seeing in the state of Idaho, particularly with the low snowpacks and the forest fires. The state needs to look at sustainability and adaptability."

• Energy credits - There is early bipartisan support for a bill to offer incentives for energy efficient buildings. And legislators from both parties indicate renewable energy sources could be discussed.

• Renewable energy portfolio - Democrats are preparing a bill that would require the state's Public Utilities Commission to force energy companies to include renewable energy in their power portfolios. By 2010 and 2011 at least 5 percent of the total amount of electricity sold by the provider to its retail customers would come from renewables, such as wind, solar, geothermal and fuel cells. That requirement would jump to 15 percent in 2020.

Much of the proposed energy legislation could have the governor's support, especially considering Otter's focus on energy since the last session. In May, he directed Department of Environmental Quality Director Toni Hardesty to catalogue the state's greenhouse gas emissions and opted Idaho into the Climate Registry in August. In September, he created a new energy policy department. And in October, the governor indicated he supports nuclear energy.

Matt Christensen may be reached at 735-3243 or matt.christensen@lee.net.