BOISE, ID -- (Marketwire) -- 06/17/09 -- Alternate Energy Holdings, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: AEHI): Idaho's Elmore Commission voted unanimously to send AEHI's rezone request for a proposed advanced nuclear power plant back to the Planning and Zoning Committee, asking it to amend the county's comprehensive plan to allow a heavy-industrial zone five miles west of Hammett, Idaho for the power plant.

In deliberations Monday, Commissioner Connie Cruser said the current discussion reminds her of 40 years ago, when her high school debate team discussed the Hells Canyon Dam and Hydro Station, which is Idaho's largest power plant at nearly 400 megawatts. (It is also Idaho's last base load power plant.)

"The very same questions were discussed back then: water and farmland and infrastructure," Cruser said. "It was an important decision then and I'm glad they made the right decision because we've had a lot of years of electricity. This is an important decision not just for Elmore County, but the state and region."

AEHI CEO and President Don Gillispie said the commission is clearly seeking to balance Elmore County's rural heritage with its goals for economic development. Gillispie has previously said the county's comprehensive plan is well-intentioned, but could not have foreseen the possibility of a large-output, carbon-free power plant that would stimulate thousands of jobs.

About Alternate Energy Holdings, Inc. (www.alternateenergyholdings.com)

Alternate Energy Holdings develops and markets innovative clean energy sources. Current projects include the Idaho Energy Complex (an advanced nuclear plant and bio-fuel generation facility), Energy Neutral which removes energy demands from homes and businesses (www.energyneutralinc.com), Colorado Energy Park (nuclear and solar generating plants) and International Reactors, Inc., which assists developing countries with nuclear reactors for power generation, production of potable water and other suitable applications.

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Sections 27A & 21E of the amended Securities and Exchange Acts of 1933-34,which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Although AEHI believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these statements included in this press release will prove accurate.