About
The Idaho Climate-Economy Impacts Assessment is a nonpartisan, science-based resource to help Idaho business leaders and policy makers plan for a productive, prosperous and resilient Idaho economy. This assessment connects the latest scientific research on Idaho’s changing climate with economic risks and opportunities that impact businesses, residents and local and state economies. In addition, the assessment seeks to inspire new collaborations, commitments and ongoing forums to leverage resources, encourage innovations and spur investments in Idaho solutions.
The assessment includes an economic analysis of the agriculture, energy, health, infrastructure, land (forest and range) and recreation and tourism sectors. Analyses connect the latest science on Idaho’s changing climate with economic risks and with opportunities for innovation and economic development. The assessment also features data on climate, water and wildfire smoke; a summary of economic opportunities and resources and references.
The University of Idaho McClure Center for Public Policy Research convened the assessment with support and involvement from many organizations. An executive committee of leaders from Idaho business, nonprofit and higher education institutions oversaw the Idaho Climate-Economy Impacts Assessment. An advisory board of leaders from across business, industry and nonprofit organizations; representatives from Idaho communities; and leaders from local, state, federal and tribal governments ensured that this assessment benefits from diverse perspectives and is broadly relevant, engaging and actionable. In addition, researchers representing Idaho universities and colleges, businesses, nonprofits and tribal and other governments collaborated in the research effort. Subject matter experts provided technical feedback on all sections of the assessment, similar to an academic peer review process.
The assessment officially launched in 2021.
The hyperlinked researchers below served as research team leaders.
Agriculture
Patrick Hatzenbuehler, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Idaho
Report contributing authors: Albert Adjesiwor, University of Idaho; Emmanuella Owusu Ansah, University of Idaho; Morey Burnham, Idaho State University; Mario de Haro-Martí, University of Idaho; Katherine Dentzman, University of Idaho; J. Reed Findlay, University of Idaho; J. Benton Glaze, Jr., University of Idaho; Jen Hinds, University of Idaho; Vincent Jansen, University of Idaho; Jason Karl, University of Idaho; Ritika Lamichhane, University of Idaho; Roger Lew, University of Idaho; Nora Olsen, University of Idaho; Matt Powell, University of Idaho; Katrina Running, Idaho State University; Joseph Sagers, University of Idaho; Linda Schott, University of Idaho; Olga Walsh, University of Idaho; Brandy Wilson, J.R. Simplot Company
Climate
John Abatzoglou, Department of Management of Complex Systems, College of Engineering, University of California, Merced
Report contributing authors: Adrienne M. Marshall, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines; Grant L. Harley, Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences, College of Science, University of Idaho
Energy
Steve Hall, Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, Boise State University
Report contributing authors: Veronika Vazhnik, Sustainability Consultant; Kathleen Araújo, School of Public Service, Boise State University; Stephanie Lenhart, Energy Policy Institute, Center for Advanced Energy Studies and School of Public Service, Boise State University
Human Health
Helen Brown, Department of Movement Sciences, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, University of Idaho
Steve Peterson, College of Business and Economics, University of Idaho
Report contributing authors: Luke Montrose, Public Health and Population Science, Boise State University; Mojtaba Sadegh, Civil Engineering, Boise State University; Sierra Brantz, University of Idaho; Sam Holownia, University of Idaho; Kat Davis, Boise State University; Katherine Himes, James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research, University of Idaho
Human Health: Supplemental Report
Steve Peterson, College of Business and Economics, University of Idaho
Infrastructure
Jaap Vos, Department of Natural Resources and Society, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho
Land: Forests
Jeff Hicke, Department of Geology and Geological Sciences, College of Science, University of Idaho
Greg Latta, Department of Natural Resources and Society and Interim Director, Policy Analysis Group, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho
Land: Rangelands
Katie Lee, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho
Eric Winford, Rangelands Center, University of Idaho
Land: Supplemental Reports
Ecosystems and Species: Kaylee Carr, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho; Jeffrey A. Hicke, Department of Geology and Geological Sciences, College of Science, University of Idaho
Climate and Fish: Christopher Caudill, Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho; Jonathan Masingale, Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho; Travis Seaborn, University of Idaho; Dona Hora, USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station; Daniel Isaak, USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station
Ungulate Species: Kaitlyn Strickfaden, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho
Recreation and Tourism
Alex Maas, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho
Report contributing author: Katherine Himes, James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research, University of Idaho
Smoke
Mojtaba (Moji) Sadegh, Department of Civil Engineering, Boise State University
Report contributing authors: John Abatzoglou, Department of Management of Complex Systems, College of Engineering, University of California, Merced; Arash Modaresi Rad, Department of Civil Engineering, Boise State University; Luke Montrose, Department of Community and Environmental Health, Boise State University
Water
Karen Humes, Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences, College of Science, University of Idaho
Jae Ryu, Department of Soil and Water Systems, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho
Report contributing authors: Riveraine Walters, Department of Soil and Water Systems, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Graduate Affiliate, Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, University of Idaho; Robert Mahler, Department of Soil and Water Systems, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho; Craig Woodruff, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Idaho
- Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area and Idaho Ski Areas Association: Brad Wilson, General Manager, BBMRA
- Brian Olmstead: Water Resource Professional
- Bureau of Land Management and National Interagency Fire Center: Jolie Pollet, Division Chief, Fire Planning and Fuels Management
- Chobani: Mark Broadhurst, Director of Public Affairs and Nate Shepley Streed, Director of Sustainability
- City of Boise: Steve Burgos, Director of Public Works
- Coeur d’Alene Tribe: Laura Laumatia, Senior Research Analyst
- College Student: Grace Peters, Idaho Falls (The Ohio State University)
- High School Student: Cindy Su, Boise (Timberline High School)
- HP Inc: David Eichberg, Global Lead, Climate Strategy
- Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry: Alex LaBeau, President
- Idaho Business for the Outdoors: Skylar Jett, Executive Director
- Idaho Department of Commerce: Tom Kealey, Director
- Idaho Department of Environmental Quality: Jess Byrne, Director
- Idaho Department of Water Resources: David Hoekema, Hydrologist
- Idaho Forest Group: Tom Schultz, Director of Resource and Government Affairs
- Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources: Richard Stover, Administrator
- Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Jose DeLeon, Director of Programs
- Idaho National Guard: Charlie Baun, Conservation Branch Manager
- Idaho National Laboratory/Battelle: John Revier, Government Relations Director and Elli Brown, State Government Relations and Policy Lead
- Idaho Power: Megan Ronk, Director, Economic Development & Innovation
- Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission: Gretchen Hyde, Executive Director
- Idaho State Department of Agriculture: Celia Gould, Director
- Idaho State Legislature: Senator Jeff Agenbroad
- Jalonne White-Newsome, PhD: CEO/Founder, Empowering a Green Environment and Economy, LLC
- John Bernardo, Sustainability Professional
- J.R. Simplot Company: Brandy Wilson, Global Sustainability Director
- Julia Kertz Grant: Natural Resource and Sustainability Professional
- Kelly Olson: Retired, Idaho Barley Commission
- Manulife Investment Management Forest Management Inc.: Gretchen Lech, Manager, Policy & Engagement
- Micron: Marshall Chase, Sustainability Director
- Nez Perce Tribe: Stefanie Krantz, Climate Change Coordinator
- Payette Land Trust: Craig Utter, Executive Director
- PotlatchDeltic: Anna Torma, Vice President, Public Affairs
- Public Health: Sherise Jurries, Environmental Health Director, Idaho North Central Health District
- Reel Time Fishing: Toby Wyatt, Owner
- Riley Stegner and Associates: Peter Stegner, Principal
- Shawn Keough: Exec. Director, Assoc. Logging Contractors | State Senator 1996-2018
- Tom Lamar: Latah County Commissioner
- William G. Weppner, MD MPH: Associate Professor and Boise Section Head, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine
- Bas Hargrove, Senior Policy Representative, The Nature Conservancy
- Katherine Himes, Director, McClure Center for Public Policy Research, University of Idaho
- Heather Kimmel, Director of Health Promotions, Western Division, American Lung Association
- Brandy Wilson, Sustainability Director, J.R. Simplot Company
McClure Center Postdoctoral Fellow, Megan Foster, Ph.D., was integral to the completion of the Idaho Climate-Economy Impacts Assessment.
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