BOISE - Last year, the Idaho Senate passed a bill to allow people living farther than one-mile from proposed feedlots to testify at public hearings. The target, senators said, was Jerome County.

The bill eventually languished in a House committee.

On Tuesday, Sen. Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton, asked Jerome County Commissioner Joe Davidson if a "conflict" arose over residency since last year's state session.

"I don't believe so, but it comes down to identifying the people in that area," Davidson told the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee. "As a landowner we can do that. As a tenant it's much more difficult. To my knowledge we did not."

The issue, however, hasn't been entirely dormant. After the bill failed to get a hearing in the House, Jerome County took action. Commissioners approved allowing oral testimony for people living farther than one mile of proposed operations. But they haven't allowed for written testimony, despite promises to change the ordinance more than six months ago.

The one-mile dispute emerged at its strongest point in November when the commissioners denied a feedlot application to Big Sky Limited Partnership. Jerome County resident Dean Dimond was one of the strongest supporters of allowing written testimony because his father owned property near the site, but lived beyond one mile from it and could only provide limited testimony.

Siddoway, an elk rancher, was among four senators to vote against last year's bill. He said after Tuesday's meeting he was instrumental in getting the bill held in the House. Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum, has said he plans to introduce a one-mile bill this year.

On Tuesday, Commissioner Charlie Howell said the issue has been on the "backburner" due to the county's moratorium restricting livestock operations, but is on Monday's agenda.

Davidson was in town regarding an appointment in September by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to the five-member Soil Conservation Committee. Approval by the Legislature for the five-year term is a formality.

The Soil Conservation Commission provides support and service to the state's 51 soil conservation districts regarding soil, water and other resources, according to the body's Web site.

Davidson said that he continues to learn about digesters and how they affect the livestock industry in addressing the problem of waste.

"We really do have an opportunity," he said.

Davidson was introduced by Rep. Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, who said that Davidson's background in agriculture has made him knowledgeable on how to treat and maintain land and water.

"He's not afraid to stand up and speak to what he thinks is right," she said. "I think that it's going to be a very fine thing to go ahead have him in this position. I'm pleased the governor recognized his qualities and I would ask you all to accept him in this position."

Jared S. Hopkins may be reached at 631-793-5717 or jhopkins@magicvalley.com.