The bipartisan push to put shovels into the ground on new geothermal energy projects continues with the introduction of the S. 3954, the Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act. Introduced by Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), the GEO Act would pave the way for the further development of geothermal technologies by cutting red tape that stifles innovation and investment.
Included in the GEO Act is a provision similar to Conservative Climate Caucus Member Rep. Michelle Steel’s (R-Calif.) legislation, H.R. 6474, which would add geothermal exploration and development activities as a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
This would expedite and remove barriers to the advancement of geothermal technologies on federal lands – streamlining the permitting process for these critical projects and harnessing the renewable heat energy from within the Earth to power homes and businesses across the nation.
“Removing unnecessary barriers to the development of renewable geothermal energy provides yet another exciting opportunity to strengthen our all-of-the-above energy portfolio,” said CRES President Heather Reams. “Thank you to Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.) for leading the bipartisan Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act and recognizing the potential geothermal energy offers.”
To read more about the GEO Act, click HERE.