LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Climate change, SAVE Act and reproductive freedom

WE MUST FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE WITH CLEANER FUELS

To me, there is no single issue more important to address than climate change. We are seeing the effects rapidly and more frequently seep into our everyday lives. While to some the effects may manifest as an inconvenience, to others it is deeply impactful to their livelihoods. A pertinent example: anyone who lives in the Treasure Valley is experiencing is wildfire smoke. While to some it may ruin plans outdoors or with friends, to others, like farmworkers, it is an occupational health risk. Natural gas plants, like the two proposed by Idaho Power, emit greenhouse gases and smog into the atmosphere, and, like wildfire smoke, lower air quality and breathability. Why accept these threats when there are sustainable alternatives? Idaho Power’s own calculations showed that solar and batteries would work just as well and cost about the same as these gas plants — without the pollution, fluctuating fuel costs, and supply chain uncertainties. Solar is a single upfront investment that, once online, relies on a free resource to run, while gas plants are expensive to build and costly to continue supplying with gas to burn. Idahoans deserve to live their personal and professional lives in a clean, safe ecosystem, unburdened from the threat of an intensifying climate. The Public Utilities Commission should heed the will of the people and environment; instead of relying on extractive fossil fuels to meet energy needs we should instead turn our attention to clean energy such as solar and battery storage that won’t disrupt lives or pollute the natural world.

Simeon Novak

Boise

SAVE ACT IS  SOLUTION IN NEED OF A PROBLEM

To quote Russ Fulcher’s town hall comment on the SAVE America Act, “I do understand why the Democrat side doesn’t want to pass it. They don’t want to require citizenship to vote.” Let me help you out there Russ, SAVE is a solution looking for a problem. Illegal voting on both sides happens, but not in numbers that would affect the outcome of an election and you know it. What you are advocating is nothing short of disenfranchisement of citizens that won’t or can’t jump through your hoops. Trump and MAGA’s motto is, “We would rather see 10 legally registered citizens denied the right to vote than have one illegal vote cast.” And while I’m at it, I propose the State of Idaho charge Oregon tariffs on the goods, citizens, dogs and cats (but not puppies and kittens) that come here because of their inexcusable forest fire smoke. Donald will be proud.

Daniel Kern

Eagle

LENNEY’S WORRIES ARE MISPLACED 

A response to acclaimed author and state senator brian lenney’s guest column in the Sunday, July 19 Idaho Press: Mr. lenney seems to be aware that the majority of Idahoans support the Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act. Consequently he’s resorting to the usual right wing tactics. Gaslighting, misdirection and dog whistle phraseology. Oh no…”leftist signature gatherers”! Would he prefer paid ALEC operatives? This is a grassroots movement. Brian, you missed a chance to toss in the word ‘communist’ to ramp up the fearmongering.

He claims a nefarious agenda hidden in the initiative. He says it will enable “a lefty lawyer” and “a woke judge” to perform “trans surgeries” behind parents’ backs. Uh, brian, there’s not a single case of “trans surgery” in Idaho. Ever. Your hysteria is misplaced. How about the rampant sexual mutilation known as circumcision? Go after that. Then too, since Idaho leads the nation in child deaths due to medical neglect how about closing the religious loophole on that travesty?

David Kinter

Boise

ENDORSEMENT: KAYLEE PETERSON

As the grandparent of three, I want an Idaho where families can thrive. My three sons live in Idaho’s First Congressional district. My daughter chose to raise her family in Spain and was hesitant to visit the U.S. while she was expecting because of Idaho’s current pregnancy care laws.

The choices our elected leaders make affect where families live, work, and raise their children. I encourage voters to take a close look at Kaylee Peterson’s campaign. I believe her commitment to strong public schools, practical problem-solving, and listening to the people she represents would help make Idaho a place where more families choose to stay and build their future.

Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, or independent, I hope you’ll compare the candidates carefully, consider how their priorities will affect Idaho families, and vote.

Our families and Idaho’s future deserve informed choices and leaders who will work for all Idahoans.

Doreen Hayes

Kuna