Sustainable Idaho

Part 1 The Economics of Sustainability in Idaho: Growth, Resources, and the Future of Idaho

By Holly Wilson,

Published April 21, 2026 at 8:28 AM MDT

Idaho State University College of Business

Idaho’s rapid growth brings new challenges in managing resources and planning for the future. In this episode of Sustainable Idaho, host Holly Wilson speaks with Dr. Karl Geisler, a regional economist, professor of economics, and chair of the Department of Economics and Finance at Idaho State University, as well as director of the Center for Economic Research and Quantitative Analysis.

Together, they explore how Idaho can balance economic expansion with long-term sustainability, highlighting the role of resource efficiency, energy systems, and agriculture in shaping the state’s future.

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Holly Wilson

Holly Wilson is a sophomore at the College of Business at Idaho State University, double majoring in Economics and Finance. She currently serves as Vice President of the Portneuf Animal Welfare Society, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to animal welfare and sustainable community practices, and is also President of the ISU Economics Club. Holly has also worked as an ethics tutor in ISU’s Philosophy Department, reflecting her interest in thoughtful, values-driven leadership. A proud Pocatello native, Holly is deeply invested in creating lasting positive change in her hometown.

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Madison Long

Madison Long is a sophomore majoring in Communications and English with concentrations in Multiplatform Journalism and Professional Writing. She enjoys learning about sustainable practices within the local community and how these can expand throughout the state of Idaho. She looks forward to sharing what she learns from researching and through interviewing with field experts!

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