Orien letter: Clean energy

Climate change equals Idaho drought.

As the Earth gradually warms due to greenhouse gases, it is quite predictable that Idaho’s snowpack will be in peril. This year’s hot spring and its devastating effect on a “normal” snowpack should scare both farmers and nonfarmers alike. In just one month (April) Idaho lost a record 15 inches of snowpack (a large percent of the total). Much of this snowmelt was lost for critical summer use.

Warmer, drier winters do not bode well for Idaho’s multibillion-dollar agricultural industry, which is so dependent on a healthy annual snowpack. To protect our great farming and ranching economy and to preserve the vibrant high quality of life that we enjoy, we need to act now. Please make a commitment this very day to make a difference. Please join with thousands of Idahoans in asking the city of Boise to commit to 100 percent clean energy and make a difference for our climate and way of life.

I promise your voice will have a big impact as you talk to your city leaders about committing to sustainable clean energy in our wonderful city.

This story was originally published May 27, 2016 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Orien letter: Clean energy."