the film forum library tutorial contact

Otter Appoints Yost as Idaho's Newest Council Member by Staff Columbia Basin Bulletin, October 19, 2007

Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter this week announced the appointment of Jim Yost, a long-time gubernatorial adviser on natural resources issues, to succeed Jim Kempton as one of two Idaho members of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

Kempton is leaving the four-state council to fill a vacancy on the three-member Idaho Public Utilities Commission left by Otter's appointment of PUC President Paul Kjellander to lead the new state Office of Energy Resources.

All three moves should be completed by the end of October, according to the governor's office.

"Jim Yost is a knowledgeable, experienced and trusted hand on natural resources issues, especially when it comes to anything involving water and power. He's an ideal choice for this assignment, and I'm pleased that he's willing to accept it," Otter said. "Jim will bring savvy, energy and a unique perspective to the Council that will serve Idahoans well."

Yost, 59, is a Rupert native who was educated at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls and Boise State University. He previously worked for Union Pacific Railroad and the Idaho Farm Bureau, and served two terms in the Idaho Senate representing the Magic Valley's North Side.

He became a natural resources adviser to then-Gov. Phil Batt in 1995. He later served Govs. Dirk Kempthorne and Jim Risch in the same capacity, and has been a project manager since Otter took office in January.

Kempton, 69, has been one of Idaho's NPCC members since December 2000. He has been serving as chairman of the Council's Power Committee.

The Northwest Power and Conservation Council was created by Congress in 1980 to provide the citizens of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington a stronger voice in determining the future of key resources common to all four states -- the electricity generated at and fish and wildlife affected by the Columbia River Basin hydropower dams. The governor of each state appoints two members to the council. Yost will join Bill Booth of Coeur d'Alene as Idaho's members.