Tell your Idaho State Senators that Idaho’s Culture and History are at Stake
- Bekka Mongeau
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Vote against HB 898
Last week, the Idaho State House of Representatives passed House Bill 898 to remove the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) from the Idaho State Historical Society and place it under the proposed Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination (OSMEC) — an office designed to advocate for the development of Idaho’s mineral and energy resources.
This change would place a regulatory oversight office within an agency dedicated to promoting development projects, creating a clear conflict of interest that undermines the integrity of historic preservation in Idaho.
Now the bill is in the Idaho Senate’s State Affairs Committee
tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25.
This bill is last-minute and rushed legislation. We need to stop and fully understand the ramifications of moving SHPO from the Idaho State Historical Society to a new proposed State entity focused on minerals and energy.
Idahoans deserve better. We need thoughtful legislation that considers the potential impacts upon Idaho’s historic and cultural heritage, local economies, and statewide preservation projects.
Please take a moment to send a message to members of the Senate State Affairs Committee and your State Senators TODAY. They need to hear from their constituents – from all of us who love Idaho.
Ask them to vote AGAINST moving HB 898. See "Key Points" below.
If you live in Idaho,
3 Steps you can take to Act Now
Send a message to members of the Senate State Affairs Committee.
They need to hear from their constituents – from all of us who love Idaho. Ask them to vote AGAINST moving HB 898 out of committee for a floor vote.
Contact your Local State Senators.
Ask them to vote NO on HB 898 if it reaches the Senate floor.
Contact Governor Brad Little.
Tell Governor Little that you are against moving SHPO to a proposed Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination and that more analysis needs to be done.
Call Governor Little at (208) 334-2100, or contact him through his online form.
Key points to include in your email or phone call about why to vote against HB 898:
• We must maintain impartial oversight – Moving SHPO into an agency tasked with advocating for mineral and energy development creates a clear conflict of interest and undermines the objective review process required for federal compliance.
• We need fiscal responsibility – No formal cost analysis has been conducted for HB 898. Without careful study, the state risks unintended financial consequences and potential loss of federal preservation funding.
• We must protect Idaho’s heritage and communities – Historic preservation supports community identity, tourism, economic development, and responsible planning. Weakening SHPO oversight risks long-term impacts to Idaho’s historic, community & cultural resources.
Time is running out! HB 898 is in front of the Senate State Affairs Committee right now. Make sure our State Senators get the message: We want thoughtful legislation – not rushed bills that will harm Idaho’s culture and history.
Thank you for taking action today.
Janet Matsuoka Keegan, Board President
Julie Yamamoto, Board Member
Robyn Achilles, Executive Director
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