Author: Health Freedom Idaho

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  • Join the Live Experience & Fellowship with Like Minded People at the Premiere Screening of the Documentary “Follow the Silenced” – 9/17 7pm Nampa

  • Pesticides and Harmful Side Effects

    Your Right To Opt Out

    When my family and I moved to Emmett, Idaho, we were chasing our dream of homesteading and growing our own organic food. The quaint, country town seemed like the perfect escape from city life. However, we soon discovered that Gem County has a Mosquito Abatement District, something we hadn’t known before moving here.

    A few years into our homesteading journey, we began to notice some alarming changes. Initially, the fogging seemed sporadic, but gradually, the frequency and intensity of spraying increased. It became impossible to ignore. Our once-thriving garden stopped producing, despite our commitment to organic practices. Our broody ducks could no longer hatch their fertilized eggs, and our chickens started suffering from paralysis, eventually dying.

    The real shock came when our own health began to deteriorate. Previously, we were rarely sick, thanks to our holistic lifestyle. But now, we experienced dizzy spells, headaches, nausea, coughing, and major respiratory issues. Desperate for answers, I started investigating the chemicals used by the Gem County Mosquito Abatement District. After much persistence, I finally obtained the chemical labels and safety data sheets. What I found was horrifying.

    The weekly fogging in Gem County involves the use of Permethrin, a chemical with a 300-foot swath. Our one-acre property is surrounded on three sides by roads and driveways where the abatement trucks spray. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, Permethrin can cause lung irritation, difficulty breathing, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. It lingers on plant leaves for 1-3 weeks and can remain in produce for 30-120 days after application. Moreover, it is highly toxic to cats, dogs, fish, and bees.

    As if that wasn’t bad enough, we had chickens that were getting paralysis and couldn’t walk and ended up dying. But the big kicker was that fact that our family started to have serious health issues. Prior to moving here we were rarely ever sick. We are a holistic-minded family and work very hard at being as healthy as possible. We started having dizzy spells, headaches, nausea, coughing and major respiratory issues, which we still continue to have today. That’s when I started digging and discovered that the Gem County Mosquito Abatement uses harmful chemicals to abate. After much research and hassle with the Gem County Abatement Board, they finally released to me the chemical labels and safety data sheets. Most of the chemicals have trade secret ingredients, which means no one really knows what’s in the chemicals and the side effects that they may have. I was in shock!

    What I discovered is that the abatement truck fogging that is done weekly, sometimes twice a week, here in Gem County all summer long uses Permethrin to kill adult mosquitoes. This chemical has a 300ft swath. My one acre property gets it on all 3 sides because they abate every road and driveway. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, Permethrin is harmful if breathed in. It causes irritation of the lungs, nose, difficulty breathing, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. It also stays on plant leaves for 1-3 weeks and studies have shown trace amounts of Permethrin in produce 30 – 120 days after planting. It also effects cats, dogs and is highly toxic to fish and bees. 

    The Alarming Truth About PermaSense 4-4 and Mosquito Abatement Chemicals

    Here are some concerning realities surrounding PermaSense 4-4 and the chemicals used in mosquito abatement programs. Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room: PermaSense 4-4, a product designed to combat mosquitoes, is actually prohibited for use in Florida, according to its own product label. This begs the question: why would a state known for its warm climate and mosquito prevalence ban such a product? The answer lies in the concerning ingredients it contains. One of the key components of PermaSense 4-4 is Petroleum Distillate, a substance that is insoluble, meaning it does not dissolve in water. Instead, it settles in the sediment of lakes, ponds, and rivers, potentially causing long-term environmental damage.

    But that’s not all – Petroleum Distillate has been linked to respiratory issues, dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and skin and eye irritation, raising serious concerns about its impact on human health. If that wasn’t alarming enough, the abatement process itself employs a staggering array of up to nine different chemicals, some classified as adulticides (targeting adult mosquitoes) and others as larvicides (targeting mosquito larvae). These chemicals are applied through various methods, including quad or aerial drones, truck fogging, and aerial planes, blanketing vast areas with potentially harmful substances.

    One of the most concerning chemicals used in this process is Naled (Dibrom), a known carcinogen that is aerially sprayed from planes. Dibrom breaks down into Dichlorvos, another carcinogenic compound. According to the International Agency for Research on Carcinogens, laboratory tests have shown that Dichlorvos can cause leukemia and pancreatic cancer, raising grave concerns about the long-term health implications of exposure to these chemicals.
    Sources:

    According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the aerial spraying of Dibrom can travel up to one-half mile from the application site, potentially exposing a vast area to its toxic effects. The agency further warns that Dibrom is moderately to highly toxic to birds and fish, posing a severe threat to the delicate ecosystems it touches.But the dangers don’t stop there. In tests conducted on birds, Dibrom has been shown to reduce egg production and hatching success, potentially disrupting the fragile balance of nature. Similarly, growth tests on fish have revealed the detrimental effects of this chemical, casting a dark shadow over the health of our aquatic environments.

    As an organophosphate, Dibrom’s impact on human health is equally concerning. Exposure to this chemical can lead to a nightmarish array of symptoms, including headaches, muscle twitching, nausea, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, depression, seizures, and even loss of consciousness. These effects are not mere inconveniences but potentially life-threatening conditions that demand our utmost attention. Adding to the growing list of concerns is the presence of Naphthalene in Dibrom.

    According to the EPA, Naphthalene is classified as a possible human carcinogen, and the state of California has included it on its Proposition 65 list of known carcinogens, further underscoring the grave risks associated with this chemical.Sources:


    After all this research and knowing that my family and property have been having harmful side effects, I decided to contact the Gem County Abatement and tell them I do not want to be fogged or sprayed. I was met with great opposition by the manager of GCMAD. I was told that these chemicals are safe and effective and they are spraying according to the EPA safety levels. I explained my concerns along with other people who are having similar issues. We even attended a GCMAD meeting to express our concernment of the side effects from these chemicals. The board cut us off when we were talking, and GCMAD has an attorney that told us that we are no longer allowed to ask questions about the chemicals.
    Since that meeting last September the GCMAD board has not addressed our questions.


    After continued emails to the manager of the GCMAD we were told that we can opt out of abatement if we filled out their form. I read their form and felt it was far overreaching concerning my property rights. They proceeded to present the Idaho Law to me saying they have every right to come onto my property.

    Idaho’s Mosquito Abatement Laws Spark Debate Over Public Health and Private Property Rights

    Many Idahoans are voicing concerns over the state’s mosquito abatement laws, citing potential conflicts between public health measures and personal liberties, including property rights. The controversy centers around Title 39-2804, which grants abatement districts broad authority to conduct mosquito control measures, even on private property. According to the law, abatement districts have the power to “come on [one’s] land and abate” mosquitoes, with limited options for property owners to opt-out.

    While residents can choose to forgo adulticide truck fogging and larvicide treatments, they are reportedly prohibited from opting out of aerial spraying, a practice that has raised concerns among some citizens.”I was told that by no means are we allowed to opt out of aerial spray,” said Emmett resident who has been researching the issue. “This law seems to conflict with our constitutional rights to protect our property and secure our safety.”

    The Idaho Constitution, Article 1, guarantees the right of “enjoying and defending Life, Liberty; acquiring, possessing and protecting property; pursuing happiness and securing safety.” However, Title 39-2804 appears to grant abatement districts the authority to monitor private property and conduct treatments if deemed necessary, regardless of the owner’s wishes.”By signing the abatement district’s form and agreeing to Title 39, they essentially have the right to come onto my land and abate, even if I’ve opted out,” Doe explained. “This raises concerns about government overreach.”Critics of the law also point to potential trespassing concerns, citing Idaho’s Trespass Law, Title 18-7008, which defines trespassing as “entering upon or over real property either in person or by causing any object, substance or force to go upon or over real property.” Aerial spraying, they argue, could be interpreted as a form of trespassing. Environmental concerns have also been raised, with some arguing that the indiscriminate elimination of insects disrupts delicate ecosystems and could lead to unintended consequences. Additionally, the potential contamination of groundwater and soil from chemical treatments has sparked fears about long-term health risks. Despite repeated attempts to engage with state officials, representatives, and local authorities, concerned citizens like Doe have encountered resistance and closed doors.As the debate intensifies, calls for transparency, public discourse, and potential amendments to Title 39-2804 are growing louder. The clash between public health measures and personal liberties promises to be a contentious issue in the coming months.

    Sources:


    A Call to Action for Idahoans: Embracing Knowledge and Safeguarding Our Future

    Fellow Idahoans, the time has come for us to heed the lessons of history and take a stand against the potential perils that lurk in the shadows of our mosquito abatement practices. We cannot afford to remain complacent, for the consequences of inaction could be dire.Let us not forget the cautionary tale of DDT, a pesticide once heralded as a safe and effective solution, only to be banned by the EPA in 1972 due to its devastating effects on the environment, wildlife, and human health. The scars left by this chemical serve as a grim reminder of the price we pay for ignorance and blind trust.

    We cannot, in good conscience, wait another 50 years to uncover the potential side effects of the chemicals currently in use. To do so would be to gamble with the well-being of our communities, our children, and the very land that sustains us.

    Knowledge, as Rachel Carson so eloquently stated, is power. “It is the public that is being asked to assume the risks that the insect controllers calculate. The public must decide whether it wishes to continue on the present road, and it can do so only when in full possession of the facts.”

    Idahoans, we have an obligation to demand transparency, to seek out the truth, and to make informed decisions that prioritize our health, our safety, and the preservation of our natural wonders. We cannot turn a blind eye to the potential consequences of the chemicals raining down upon our properties, seeping into our soil, and contaminating the very air we breathe.In the words of Jean Rostand, “The obligation to endure gives us the right to know.”

    We have endured enough uncertainty, enough closed doors, and enough dismissal of our concerns. It is time to raise our voices, to demand answers, and to chart a new course – one that embraces sustainable practices, responsible stewardship, and a unwavering commitment to the well-being of our communities and our environment.Let us not be remembered as the generation that stood idly by, ignoring the lessons of the past. Instead, let us be the catalysts for change, the torchbearers of knowledge, and the guardians of a future where our children can thrive without fear of unseen dangers.

    Idahoans, the time to act is now. Join me in this call to action, for together, we can forge a path toward a safer, healthier, and more sustainable tomorrow.

  • Forced Vaccination by CPS has child in coma

    Parents Jessica and Shawn tell the story of how their son, Stami, ended up in a coma for over a month.  CPS took all four of their children who were unvaccinated and homeschooled.  The Nevada CPS judge mandated they be fully caught up on the childhood vaccine schedule.  After the second round Stami’s health deteriorated and has now been in a coma for over a month as of this interview.  Stami has been diagnosed with ADEM.

    Please pray for this family and help fund their fight for Stami’s life and the safety of all four of their children.

    Go Fund Me

    On Feb 20, 2024, Our son Stamwulf, who we call ‘Stami’, suddenly fell unconscious while asleep, after not feeling well the day before, and was rushed to the local emergency room, where doctors decided to take him by life-flight to Sunrise children’s hospital for emergency treatment, not knowing what was happening to this otherwise happy, healthy six year old who had only been sick with a cold one time in his life, and that was several years before. After being put into a medically induced coma in order to intubate him on a life support ventilator, doctor’s ran so many tests over the next few days, it was hard to keep track of them all: spinal tap, MRI, CAT scan, blood tests, viral and bacterial tests, etc.

    After almost a week, we received the devastating news that our son had massive swelling of the brain and spinal cord, a rare but sometimes deadly condition called ‘Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis’ or ADEM, is an immune-mediated, inflammatory, monophasic, demyelinating condition that affects the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. As a rapidly progressive post-infectious encephalomyelitis, ADEM is characterized by demyelination in the brain and spinal cord as a result of inflammation following infection or immunization.

    You may be interested in these questions:

    The Power Struggle: Parental rights and state intervention

    In a series of deeply troubling incidents, the Child Protective Services (CPS) has overstepped its boundaries, resulting in traumatic separations of children from their families and questionable medical interventions.

    The ordeal began for Shaun and Jessica when their children were forcibly taken by CPS and vaccinated. This led to their son, Stami, being hospitalized in a coma for over a month. The emotional toll on the parents due to the unjust removal of their children by family members and the misuse of mandatory reporter laws was immeasurable.

    Legal battles ensued parents were confronted by armed police officers without a warrant. Despite their objections, a court ordered the children to be vaccinated and attend public school against their parents’ wishes. The parents faced bureaucratic hurdles, including discussions on religious exemptions and the difficulties of navigating a complex legal system.

    In a particularly alarming case, a CPS judge in Nevada misinterpreted the law, ordering children to attend public school and be vaccinated based on personal beliefs rather than legal grounds. This incident raises serious concerns about the potential for abuse of power by CPS judges and the undermining of parental authority. The judge’s refusal to reschedule hearings and lack of due process further exacerbated the situation.

    In a heart-wrenching account, Jessica recounted her son’s emergency room admission and subsequent coma. Frustrations mounted as CPS mandated vaccinations and her lawyer’s lack of action resulted in her children receiving vaccines against her wishes. Then she was left to navigate the legal proceedings alone after her lawyer quit unexpectedly during a court hearing.

    The challenges of court battles over health care decisions for children (discussed at minute mark 24:15) emphasize the devastating impact on families and the lack of understanding from authorities. The legal system pits parents against each other, undermining family unity and perpetuating destructive systems that inflict trauma on children.

    Caseworkers Assumed Knowledge
    In a series of deeply troubling incidents, the Child Protective Services (CPS) is overstepping its boundaries, resulting in traumatic separations of children from their families and questionable medical interventions. Caseworkers often assume expertise in various fields, including medicine and law, leading to uninformed decisions that can have detrimental effects on children’s well-being.

    Financial Strain for Families The financial burden placed on families by CPS is unreasonable. Required classes recommended by caseworkers can cost families over $1,000 per person, adding to the stress of dealing with a child’s medical emergency. Families may also struggle to afford private attorneys, further complicating their situations.

    SUPPORT THIS FAMILY THROUGH THEIR FUNDRAISER

    Financial Incentives for System

    Financial incentives that benefit government-funded systems like CPS are tearing families apart. The system’s reliance on children being in school creates challenges for homeschooled children and parents.

    WATCH HFI PRESENTATION THE CORRUPT BUSINESS OF CPS

    Advocacy for Families is an Urgent Need

    There is a pressing need for advocacy for a child’s well-being within the child welfare system, especially amidst medical emergencies and bureaucratic challenges.

    The community is urged to support families facing government intervention, emphasizing the need for collective action to address systemic issues and provide assistance.

    These incidents underscore the urgent need for accountability within the CPS system, as families continue to suffer due to the abuse of power and lack of proper assessment in CPS interventions. The emotional and financial toll on families is immense, highlighting the devastating consequences of a system that is supposed to protect children but often causes more harm than good.

    ADEM

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8475584/

  • Steps Forward: Holding Cloud Seeding Accountable


    Part 4: Steps Forward: Holding Cloud Seeding Accountable

    Demanding Notification and Transparency

    The current cloud seeding program in Idaho potentially infringes on private property rights, yet residents are not provided the option to opt-out or even notified before spraying occurs. It’s high time for Idaho to adopt responsible measures seen in other states, such as public hearings and publishing notifications in newspapers at least two weeks prior to the start of the program. Shockingly, Idaho lacks such public notification services, leaving citizens in the dark about activities that could impact their health and property.

    Following Montana’s Responsible Model

    Our research highlighted Montana’s commendable approach to cloud seeding, serving as a model of transparency, accountability, and regulation. Our bill aimed to replicate their method by implementing clear notification, permitting, licensing, and liability provisions for cloud seeding operators.

    These recommendations are not just reasonable but necessary for building public trust in the cloud seeding program. By adding these provisions to HB 266, we have taken a step towards ensuring that cloud seeding operators bear some of the liability for their activities.

    Time for Action

    It’s time for every Idahoan to question why our state is allowing such risky experimentation without adequate safeguards. We urge you to spread the word and take action to hold our legislature accountable for implementing responsible and transparent cloud seeding practices.


    Find a Weather Modification Generator or Flight Path Near You:

    For more information on weather modification generators or flight paths near you, please visit the following link: Weather Modification Generator and Flight Path Locator.

    Budget

    Proposed FY2024 Budget for the Secondary Aquifer Fund, Cloud Seeding: $7M. Cigarette tax proceeds contribute to the totals listed here, highlighting the significant investment in this experimental program.

    1. The Idaho Legislature has authorized the creation of “weather modification districts” that can levy up to 4 mills in property taxes to fund weather modification activities. This is outlined in Idaho Statute 22-4302.3
    2. The Idaho Water Resources Board (IWRB) and Idaho Power Company (IPC) collaborate on cloud seeding programs in Idaho, with the IWRB overseeing the programs and IPC providing the majority of the funding.
    3. According to the presentation slides, the “Collaborative Cloud Seeding Program” in Idaho has an estimated annual operations cost of $3,995,000. This covers projects in the Boise River Basin, Wood River Basin, Payette River Basin, and Upper Snake River Basin.5
    4. The state of Idaho has provided around $14,050,000 in total funding contributions to support the development and analysis of these weather modification programs over the past several years.5

    What You Can Do:

    1. Call or Write Your Representative: Reach out to your representative and express your concerns. Encourage them to support responsible cloud seeding practices. The bipartisan support our bill received is encouraging, and your voice can make a difference.
    2. Sign the Petition: If you’re concerned about cloud seeding operators receiving special liability protections and want to see responsible testing practices, sign our petition to make your voice heard.

    Want to Learn More?

    NOAA weather modification reports often include maps showing the locations of generators used to disperse chemicals. Reports from Idaho Power, Let it Snow (owned by Marty and Conni Owen), Weather Modification Inc., and others can be found here.

    Conclusion

    As Idahoans, we must demand accountability and transparency from our legislature regarding the cloud seeding program. It’s crucial to implement responsible practices that protect our health, property, and environment. Take action today to ensure that our state prioritizes public safety and well-being over risky experimentation.

    MORE RESEARCH

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4717532/

  • Unveiling the Chemicals: Transparency Concerns in Idaho’s Cloud Seeding Program

    Part 3: Proceeding with Caution in Weather Modification

    Experimental Approaches Raise Concerns

    Idaho Power has been cloud seeding since 2003. It now operates 57 remote ground generators in the Payette, Boise, Wood River and upper Snake River pumping a variety of chemicals into the skies to ‘increase precipitation’.  Our state budget has 7 million ear marked for just cloud seeding for the fiscal year of 2024. (see page 34)

    1.-Budget-Resolutions.-RE-Dec-1-2023Download

    Idaho Power’s 2021-2022 cloud seeding application revealed the use of “liquid propane for testing purposes” without specifying the quantities[^1^]. The lack of transparency regarding the amount of liquid propane used and the experimental nature of such tests underscores the need for greater public awareness and oversight of cloud seeding operations in Idaho.

    Idahoans deserve to be informed about any experimental “test” activities conducted by Idaho Power or other cloud-seeding operators. Transparency is crucial to ensure that citizens understand the potential risks and impacts of these weather modification techniques on their communities and environment.

    Assessing Chemical Impacts

    Ongoing testing to assess the environmental impact of silver iodide and other seeding agents is a responsible measure to safeguard against long-term accumulation damage. Our legislation included provisions requiring the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to conduct and report on testing in seeded basins[^1^].

    However, a FOIA request to DEQ revealed a lack of records and testing procedures, contradicting statements made by Kala Golden at the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR)[^1^]. The discrepancies highlight the importance of ensuring that DEQ is actively involved in testing and monitoring the environmental impacts of cloud seeding operations.

    Increasing Usage Quantities

    Recent NOAA reports indicate an increase in the dispersal rate of silver iodide from 7-8 grams per hour to 20 grams per hour[^1^]. The rationale behind this increase remains unclear and raises concerns about the potential for over-seeding, which could decrease moisture levels and impact local ecosystems.

    Without required ongoing testing and monitoring, it is challenging to determine the accumulation levels of seeding agents in the environment, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive and transparent monitoring programs.

    Disclosure of Chemicals Used

    Earlier NOAA reports revealed the use of multiple chemicals, including silver iodide, ammonium iodide, ammonium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, and acetone[^1^].

    Chemicals Used in Cloud Seeding:

    1. Silver Iodide (AgI):
      • Description: Silver iodide is a chemical compound that is commonly used in cloud seeding to induce precipitation.
      • Potential Environmental Hazards: While silver iodide is generally considered to have low toxicity, there are concerns about its environmental accumulation and potential long-term impacts on ecosystems. Silver ions can be toxic to aquatic organisms and may bioaccumulate in food chains.
    2. Ammonium Iodide (NH4I):
      • Description: Ammonium iodide is another iodine-containing compound that can be used in cloud seeding.
      • Potential Environmental Hazards: Ammonium compounds can contribute to nutrient loading in water bodies, potentially leading to eutrophication. Excessive levels can harm aquatic life and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
    3. Ammonium Perchlorate (NH4ClO4):
      • Description: Ammonium perchlorate is an oxidizer that is sometimes used in cloud seeding to enhance the formation of ice crystals in clouds.
      • Potential Environmental Hazards: Perchlorate compounds can persist in the environment and may contaminate groundwater. Chronic exposure to perchlorate can interfere with thyroid function in humans and wildlife.
    4. Sodium Perchlorate (NaClO4):
      • Description: Sodium perchlorate is another oxidizer that can be used in cloud seeding.
      • Potential Environmental Hazards: Similar to ammonium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate can contaminate groundwater and pose risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health due to its impact on thyroid function.
    5. Acetone (CH3COCH3):
      • Description: Acetone is a solvent that can be used as a carrier or dispersant for other cloud seeding agents.
      • Potential Environmental Hazards: Acetone is relatively volatile and can contribute to air pollution. It can also contaminate water bodies and soil, posing risks to aquatic life and terrestrial ecosystems.

    However, current reports only mention silver iodide, raising questions about the full disclosure of chemicals used in cloud seeding operations.

    Our legislation addressed the reporting requirement for disclosing all chemicals used in weather modification activities, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in cloud seeding programs.

    Transparency and Public Involvement

    While weather modification programs are required to submit interim and final reports to NOAA, the current database lacks searchable document fields, limiting public access to information[^1^]. Reports typically cover a 5-6 month window without providing exact dates of seeding activities, further reducing transparency.

    The public should be notified about cloud seeding activities, and public hearings should be held to ensure that citizens have the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions about these experimental weather modification techniques, as modeled by other states.

    In conclusion, as we continue to experiment with nature through cloud seeding and other weather modification techniques, it is crucial to proceed with caution and prioritize transparency to protect the well-being of citizens and the environment.

    MORE FROM HFI

    Idaho Cloud Seeding Raises Flood Concerns

    Citations:

    [^1^]: NOAA – Idaho Cloud Seeding Program

    Cloud Seeding Program

  • Idaho Cloud Seeding Raises Flood Concerns

    BOISE, Idaho — As cloud seeding programs continue to be implemented across the western United States, concerns are growing over the potential risks and unintended consequences, including the risk of flooding and environmental damage. With an annual budget of $7 million, the Idaho Power Company’s cloud seeding program, along with the oversight from the Idaho Water Resources Board (IWRB) and Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR), has come under scrutiny for its management and transparency.

    Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique used to enhance precipitation, primarily through the dispersal of silver iodide or other substances into clouds. While some studies suggest it can increase precipitation by 5-15%, the impacts are not always easy to quantify, and the potential for unintended consequences, such as flooding, remains a concern1.

    The recent flooding events in the Wood River Valley in May 2023 have raised questions about the role of cloud seeding in exacerbating flooding conditions. According to documents obtained through a FOIA request, the cloud seeding program in the Wood Basin area was terminated in March 2023 due to high snowpack levels and water supply forecasts2. Yet, just two months later, significant flooding occurred, leading to mandatory evacuations2.

    Idaho Power’s weather modification application outlines termination procedures and safeguards to suspend or stop the program when certain conditions arise, including the risk of potential flooding3. However, the responsibility of managing these risks and the burden placed on citizens in case of accidental operator error or unknowingly contributing to environmental damage remains a contentious issue.

    “Is it responsible to place the risk burden on the citizens in case of accidental operator error or unknowingly contributing to environmental damage?” questions the full report on Idaho Power’s cloud seeding activities3.

    Temperature shifts, which can contribute to snowmelt and runoff, were not explicitly considered when earlier season cloud seeding took place. This raises concerns about the potential contribution of cloud seeding to the runoff flooding experienced in the Wood River Valley2.

    In response to these concerns, a recent 2023/2024 NOAA report by Conni Owen revealed that Idaho Power has created a new daily-updated long-term suspension criteria named the Flooding Index. The report also highlighted drawbacks to the Snow Water Supply Index (SWSI), which Idaho Power previously relied on, including inconsistencies in thresholds and database dependencies4.

    The shift to new methods by Idaho Power is raising questions among Idahoans about the adequacy of the previous flood index and the need for more robust and transparent monitoring and evaluation of cloud seeding programs.

    The delicate balance of nature isn’t as easy to manipulate as some presume, and the complex and sometimes unpredictable nature of cloud seeding underscores the need for careful oversight and transparency. As cloud seeding continues to be used as an experimental program with the potential to cause environmental and property damage, there is an urgent need for the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of local communities and ensure that proper safeguards and transparency measures are in place.

    Citations:

    Footnotes

    Budget for Cloud Seeding on Page 34

    Budget-Resolutions.-RE-Dec-1-2023Download

    https://library.oarcloud.noaa.gov/noaa_documents.lib/OAR/OWAQ/Weather_Modification_Project/FY22/2021IDCM-1.pdf

    https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/news/2023-05-16/hailey-flooding-big-wood-river-sandbags

    1. CNBC – How Cloud Seeding Can Help Replenish Reservoirs in the West ↩
    2. Boise State Public Radio – Hailey Flooding ↩ ↩2 ↩3
    3. NOAA – Idaho Cloud Seeding Program ↩ ↩2
    4. UNLV – Weather Modification and Hydrological Modeling ↩
    Unveiling the Chemicals: Transparency Concerns in Idaho’s Cloud Seeding Program

  • Oppose SB1380 A Threat to Transparency and Accountability

    CTA SB 1380 MUST BE STOPPED‼️ We have 1 chance to stop this bill. It will likely be heard on the house floor on Monday. This bill creates a new agency It expands beyond legislative or judicial oversight with the ombudsman for health and human services appointed by the governor (not elected by the people). This bill threatens transparency and accountability by allowing the ombudsman to operate in secrecy, shielded from public scrutiny. Act now to defend our rights and demand accountability from our representatives.

    Send an email today urging them to oppose SB 1380 and protect our freedoms!

    HFI is very familiar with the problem we face with Idaho CPS and helps parents regularly. Educational information attached below.

    ~CPS is used as the stick to coerce parents into medical treatments including vaccines.
    ~CPS medically kidnaps our children if we decide to explore other treatment options.
    ~CPS steals our children under the guise of medical neglect when the parent takes their babies into the hospital for care.

    ***This is outrageous and should not be tolerated but SB 1380 is not the solution and will only create more of a problem.

    You should read the 5 page bill.

    We will focus on a few key points.

    1.) SB 1380 grows the executive branch by creating a new self-governing agency with an ombudsman for health and human services appointed by the governor. See 67-2601. It will operate independently of the legislature, the courts, the H&W Dept and any other state agency or department. See 56-1902 (1).

    2.) SB 1380 protects the ombudsman from redress by the citizens of Idaho. See 56-1906.
    It states that an individual who willfully interferes with or impedes the ombudsman in the performance of their duties will face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail.
    They may explain this away as being intended to not hinder the work of the ombudsman but will undoubtedly be used against the people to impede the exercise of our 1st amendment rights.

    3.) SB 1380 allows the ombudsman to operate in secrecy and makes them untouchable by protecting them from public records requests. See 56-1908.

    ❌You can’t fix BAD government with MORE government.

    🤔Why is a supposedly conservative legislature attempting to grow the executive branch?

    Read the bill:
    👉🏼 https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2024/legislation/S1380/

    IFF rates the bill -3:
    👉🏼 https://idahofreedom.org/senate-bill-1380-health-social-services-ombudsman/

    Email ALL of the Representatives:
    👉🏼 https://hfi.designbyparrish.com/2024-representatives/

    CPS info including Miste’s presentation about what to do if CPS shows up at your door:
    👉🏼 https://hfi.designbyparrish.com/the-corrupt-business-of-cps

    To avoid spam filters on the Legislative email system, it’s best to email representatives in groups. Simply compose your email, make duplicate copies, and send each copy to different groups of legislators. This ensures they receive your email without it being caught in a spam filter.

    GROUP1

    JAlfieri@house.idaho.gov, CAllgood@house.idaho.gov, KAndrus@house.idaho.gov, VBar@house.idaho.gov, SBerch@house.idaho.gov, MBlanksma@house.idaho.gov, JBoyle@house.idaho.gov, MBundy@house.idaho.gov, NBurns@house.idaho.gov, 

    GROUP 2

    DCannon@house.idaho.gov, RCheatum@house.idaho.gov, SChew@house.idaho.gov, mwilson@house.idaho.gov, LClow@house.idaho.gov, JCornilles@house.idaho.gov, BCrane@house.idaho.gov, JCrane@house.idaho.gov, CDixon@house.idaho.gov, SDixon@house.idaho.gov

    GROUP 3

    MDurrant@house.idaho.gov, BEhardt@house.idaho.gov, JEhlers@house.idaho.gov, Erickson@house.idaho.gov, RFurniss@house.idaho.gov, SGalaviz@house.idaho.gov, JGallagher@house.idaho.gov, JGannon@house.idaho.gov, DGarner@house.idaho.gov, BGreen@house.idaho.gov,

    GROUP 4

    CHandy@house.idaho.gov, DHawkins@house.idaho.gov, DHealey@house.idaho.gov, THill@house.idaho.gov, JHoltzclaw@house.idaho.gov, WendyHorman@house.idaho.gov,  MKingsley@house.idaho.gov, TLambert@house.idaho.gov, GLanting@house.idaho.gov,  DManwaring@house.idaho.gov,

    GROUP 5

    CMathias@house.idaho.gov, LMcCann@house.idaho.gov, RMendive@house.idaho.gov, SMickelsen@house.idaho.gov, SMiller@house.idaho.gov, BMitchell@house.idaho.gov, JMonks@house.idaho.gov, MMoyle@house.idaho.gov, CNash@house.idaho.gov, LNecochea@house.idaho.gov, JNelsen@house.idaho.gov, JPalmer@house.idaho.gov, JPetzke@house.idaho.gov, DPickett@house.idaho.gov, 

    GROUP 6

    EPrice@house.idaho.gov, BRaybould@house.idaho.gov, JRaymond@house.idaho.gov, JRedman@house.idaho.gov, NRoberts@house.idaho.gov, IRubel@house.idaho.gov, MSauter@house.idaho.gov, HScott@house.idaho.gov, CShepherd@house.idaho.gov, BSkaug@house.idaho.gov, JTanner@house.idaho.gov
    JVanderWoude@house.idaho.gov, JWeber@house.idaho.gov, JoshWheeler@house.idaho.gov, TWisniewski@house.idaho.gov, KWroten@house.idaho.gov, JYamamoto@house.idaho.gov, JYoung@house.idaho.gov,

  • Oppose H653 Do Not Protect Profit Over People

    If enacted, this H653 would absolve pesticide manufacturers of any accountability for harm caused by their products, regardless of the evidence of harm. Just two weeks ago, this crucial bill was defeated by a full Senate vote. Yet now, it resurfaces under a different number. Why the sleight of hand? To shield manufacturers from the repercussions of their unsafe products, placing profit above safety. Supported by Bayer, the company behind Monsanto’s Roundup, which has been embroiled in countless lawsuits due to its glyphosate-containing herbicide. Despite a staggering $10.9 billion settlement in 2020, H 653 seeks to grant sweeping legal immunity to pesticide manufacturers.

    We staunchly oppose this bill as it blatantly disregards public health in favor of protecting corporate interests.

    “If we have learned anything over these past few years, it is to not blindly trust the so-called experts; the mere fact that something has been designated as EPA compliant does not mean it isn’t causing cancer. I am hopeful that, with the preservation of the common citizen’s right to his day in court, the truth of actual health impacts will organically come to light through evidentiary proceedings.

    – Ben Toews Idaho State Senator District 4 (about the previous immunity granting bill sb1245 voted down in the Senate.)

    TAKE ACTION!

    SEND EMAILS TO ALL THE SENATORS

    Then the bill will be heard in the HOUSE BUSINESS COMMITTEE

    Do you have more to say on this bill?
    Send a personal email to the committee members:

    LClow@house.idaho.gov, JCrane@house.idaho.gov, BCrane@house.idaho.gov, JPalmer@house.idaho.gov, VBar@house.idaho.gov, SDixon@house.idaho.gov, KAndrus@house.idaho.gov, RFurniss@house.idaho.gov, BMitchell@house.idaho.gov, JCornilles@house.idaho.gov, JEhlers@house.idaho.gov, GLanting@house.idaho.gov, JPetzke@house.idaho.gov, JRedman@house.idaho.gov, SBerch@house.idaho.gov, BGreen@house.idaho.gov, IRubel@house.idaho.gov

    BAYER IS IN THE WRONG AND THEY ARE TRYING TO LEGISLATE IMMUNITY

    Granting immunity to large corporations through legislation is a betrayal of justice. When profit is prioritized over human life, accountability and informed consent is abandoned. Let’s demand that companies prioritize safety over dollars and uphold the sanctity of every individual’s well-being.

    Miste Karlfeldt, Health Freedom Idaho

    Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, has faced numerous lawsuits related to its product Roundup, which contains the herbicide glyphosate. In June 2020, Bayer agreed to a settlement of $10.9 billion to resolve about 125,000 lawsuits related to Roundup23. The settlement was intended to resolve approximately 75% of the claims made against the company, with individual plaintiffs estimated to receive between $5,000 to $250,000, depending on their circumstances and the strength of their cases.

    The bill would eliminate the ability for Idaho farmers, farmworkers, landscapers, neighbors, or others to participate in these suits. Instead, Idaho taxpayers, insurance companies, and individuals would be responsible for covering the costs associated with these damages. Local research in Idaho has shown elevated levels of pesticides in pregnant women who live close to agricultural fields.

    The studies found a correlation between agricultural pesticides and cancer in Western states, including Idaho23. The specific pesticides and their effects may vary, as one study highlighted a strong connection between the fumigant pesticide metam sodium and total cancer rate4. –Read More Here

    Communities with larger populations, such as Caldwell and Nampa, are also exposed to cancer-causing chemicals. A study conducted in Idaho revealed an increased occurrence of cancer linked to pesticide exposure. Consequently, the threat extends beyond rural areas to impact urban residents, where neighborhoods often border agricultural fields. Recent reports highlight that individuals living in Nampa and Caldwell are exposed to these chemicals simply by residing near these fields.

    Testimony from Senator Brian Lenny

    Idaho’s has a bill on deck that basically throws a giant, indestructible shield around Big Pharma, (in this case, Bayer) RE: their cash cow, glyphosate in Roundup. Are you kidding me?! Where’s the accountability? Where’s the protection for the little guy… the everyday person who trusts these products are safe? Are we trading crops for cancer? Slamming the door on this one isn’t just a no; it’s a HELL NO. Corporate immunity on this level isn’t just over the top; it’s a leap into a realm where consumer safety takes a backseat to profit. And that’s a ride I’m not willing to take.

    Senator Brian Lenny

    Key Concerns:

    1. Lack of Accountability for Harmful Products: H653 essentially grants blanket immunity to pesticide manufacturers, regardless of the harmful effects their products may have on human health. This undermines the principle of corporate responsibility and leaves affected individuals without recourse for seeking justice.
    2. Health Risks Associated with Pesticide Exposure: Numerous studies have linked exposure to certain pesticides with serious health ailments, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and neurological disorders. By shielding manufacturers from legal consequences, H653 disregards these well-established health risks and prioritizes corporate interests over public health.
    3. International Discrepancies in Pesticide Regulation: While many countries have banned certain pesticides due to their harmful effects, the United States continues to approve their use. H653 further exacerbates this discrepancy by preventing affected individuals from seeking legal redress, thereby perpetuating a cycle of harm.
    4. Financial Implications: The bill shifts the burden of covering damages associated with pesticide exposure onto Idaho taxpayers, insurance companies, and affected individuals. This not only undermines accountability but also imposes additional financial strain on already vulnerable populations.
    5. Environmental Impact: Pesticides not only pose risks to human health but also contaminate groundwater and harm wildlife. The lack of accountability for pesticide manufacturers perpetuated by H653 exacerbates environmental degradation and threatens the long-term sustainability of Idaho’s ecosystems.

    CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR TO TELL THEM TO OPPOSE 1245 IMMUNITY FOR CHEMICAL COMPANIES

    In conclusion, Health Freedom Idaho urges the Idaho Legislature to reject H653. By opposing this bill, legislators can uphold the principles of public health, corporate accountability, and environmental protection. It is imperative that Idahoans retain the ability to seek legal recourse for damages caused by pesticide exposure and that pesticide manufacturers are held accountable for their actions. We stand firm in our commitment to promoting health freedom including freedom from toxins for the health and well-being of all Idaho residents.

    MORE TO READ: https://hfi.designbyparrish.com/gut-wrenching-dangers-of-glyphosate/

    RESOURCES ON PESTICIDE HARM

    The studies found a correlation between agricultural pesticides and cancer in Western states, including Idaho23. The specific pesticides and their effects may vary, as one study highlighted a strong connection between the fumigant pesticide metam sodium and total cancer rate4.

    https://www.uidaho.edu/news/news-articles/news-releases/2022/062122-chemicals-cancer

    https://idahocapitalsun.com/2022/07/08/university-of-idaho-researchers-find-correlation-between-pesticides-and-cancer/

    Research conducted by Boise State University, as reported in various sources. The study found that pregnant women living near agricultural fields in southern Idaho had significantly increased concentrations of the pesticide glyphosate in their urine, especially during the spraying season. The research team collected 453 urine samples biweekly from 40 pregnant women for this study24.

    Several countries have banned or restricted the use of glyphosate due to health concerns. Some of these countries include:

    1. Austria: The Austrian parliament voted unanimously on a partial ban of glyphosate, prohibiting its use on “sensitive” areas and for private use13.
    2. Belgium: Banned the individual use of glyphosate3.
    3. Germany: Has banned glyphosate in public spaces and plans a total ban by 202424.
    4. France, the Netherlands, and Belgium: Glyphosate is banned for household use2.
    5. Mexico: The Supreme Court denied appeals from major agrichemical corporations, affirming the country’s glyphosate ban14.
    6. Vietnam: Is the only country in Asia to have fully banned the use of glyphosate15.

    These bans and restrictions are often due to concerns about the potential link between glyphosate and health issues, including cancer and environmental impact

  • Vaccine Exemptions for Students 18+ H597

    Did you know that as of right now, high school seniors lose their vaccine exemptions as soon as they turn 18 years old? Or that Idaho universities aren’t required to provide any immunization exemptions to students, even for religious reasons?

    This bill addresses that oversight in current legislation and would prevent the state from coercing individuals into violating their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs in order to continue their education.

    HB 597 provides immunization exemptions for state colleges and university and for high school students who are 18.

    There is obviously a gap in Idaho law which HB 597 gives the legislature the opportunity to remedy. It is an inherent right and is supported by ID law that a parent makes health care decisions for their child. When a person reaches majority age that decision-making and ownership shouldn’t then transfer to high school or college administrators. The new adult should not then lose rights because they become of majority age. The decision to receive vaccinations is now inherently the right of the adult and should be supported by ID law.

    Miste Karlfeldt, Executive Director of Health Freedom Idaho

    BILL PURPOSE

    This legislation is intended to address two issues. The first is the 12th grade immunization requirement for
    which there is no exemption when a student is age 18 during their 12th grade school year. The requirement can be found in IDAPA 16.02.15.100.06.c. The second is to prevent colleges and universities in the state of Idaho from infringing on the privacy rights of students by requiring vaccination status or the disclosure of confidential medical information as conditions of enrollment or attendance. The exemptions currently described in §39-4802, §39-1118, and IDAPA 16.02.15.110 apply only to minor children and require parent or legal guardian signature.

    SEND AN EMAIL TODAY Make sure your voice is heard (and that all legislators receive your testimony by sending your email through our secure server.

    Support H597 to protect the rights of Idaho students beyond the age of 18. Every individual should have the right to make informed choices about their own health without fear of discrimination or invasion of privacy. Contact your representatives now and urge them to vote YES on H597!

    This bill will be heard in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on March 18, 2024 in Room WW54 at 2:00

    Let Your Voice Be Heard. Testify in Person or on Zoom