IN PRODUCTION

OUTDOOR IDAHO "Powered by Nature"

To air Thursday, May 8, at 8:00/7:00 p.m. MT/PT and Sunday, May 11, at 7:00 p.m. MT/PT.

For most of our state's history, our electricity has come from the force of falling water. Time and again we have turned to the Snake River, the Nile of Idaho, to satisfy our growing energy needs.

We have built high dams and diversion dams, wherever it was feasible. But today we are a net importer of energy, forced to look outside our borders for electricity created by fossil fuel power plants.

As pressure mounts to curb carbon dioxide emissions, many argue that now is the time to emphasize renewable energy: wind, solar, and geothermal.

Outdoor Idaho explores the challenges and the opportunities of being powered by nature.

The Idaho Debates Continues a Proud Tradition, with a new twist

Preparations have begun in earnest for that biennial exercise in good government known as The Idaho Debates, a chance for Idahoans to watch their candidates answer the tough questions on a stage with other office seekers.

The moderator will be Jim Peck, award-winning host of our legislative program, Idaho Reports. This season Jim has gathered together political scientists James Weatherby and Steve Shaw and Idaho Statesman editorial writer Kevin Richert for some online analysis immediately after each of the debates. So, folks will be able to watch a debate, then come online to Idahoptv.org to see how three seasoned politicos viewed the event.

The Idaho Debates is jointly sponsored by The League of Women Voters, The Idaho Press Club, and Idaho Public Television.

This year there are two debates, with challengers in the Republican race for the United States Senate. Candidates for an Idaho State Supreme Court judicial seat will also debate.

Schedule (subject to change):

Thursday, May 15th, 8:30/7:30 p.m. MT/PT — Idaho Supreme Court

Thursday, May 22nd, 8:00/7:00 p.m. MT/PT — US Senate (GOP)