Bipartisan Lawmakers Pass Legislation to Enhance Geothermal Energy Production
New Act Aims to Increase Lease Sales and Streamline Approval Process
The CLEAN Act Overview
A significant step towards enhancing geothermal energy production has been taken by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in the House of Representatives. The recently passed legislation, known as the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act (CLEAN), aims to amend the existing Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to facilitate more frequent lease sales for geothermal energy development.
Under the terms of the CLEAN Act, the Department of Interior (DOI) is now mandated to hold lease sales annually, as opposed to the previous biennial schedule. This change is anticipated to bolster the production of geothermal energy—a renewable energy source that harnesses heat from the Earth—by streamlining access to land for development.
Streamlining the Approval Process
In addition to increasing the frequency of lease sales, the CLEAN Act also includes provisions aimed at expediting the permitting process. It sets a limit of 30 days for the DOI to notify applicants regarding permit approvals. Proponents argue that this will reduce bureaucratic delays that often hinder the development of energy resources.
Moreover, the legislation mandates that the DOI conduct a replacement sale if any scheduled lease sale is canceled or missed, ensuring that opportunities for geothermal energy production are not lost due to administrative oversights.
Opposition to the Bill
Despite bipartisan support, the CLEAN Act has faced criticism, particularly from Democratic lawmakers. Opponents argue that the 30-day notification period for permit approvals does not afford the DOI adequate time to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the proposed projects.
Critics underscore the importance of thorough examination of potential environmental and economic impacts before granting permits, raising concerns that hastily approved projects could lead to detrimental consequences.
Bipartisan Support and Legislative Backing
The CLEAN Act received substantial backing, passing with a vote count of 213 Republicans and 31 Democrats in support of the measure. Representative Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), who spearheaded the bill, expressed his enthusiasm for the legislation, stating: “Geothermal energy has tremendous potential to provide reliable, clean energy for millions of Americans.”
Fulcher further emphasized the national reliance on geothermal resources, noting that nearly 90% of these resources are situated on federally managed lands. “I introduced the CLEAN Act to unleash these critical resources by cutting red tape and increasing lease opportunities on federal lands. This legislation will hold the Department of Interior accountable and is key to bolstering domestic energy production,” he said.
The Broader Energy Strategy
The passage of the CLEAN Act has been warmly received by various energy stakeholders and legislators who view geothermal energy as a critical element in the broader energy strategy. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Chairman of the Western Caucus, commended the bill, highlighting its potential to unlock the full capabilities of geothermal energy and enhance production across federal lands in the western United States.
“Geothermal is an important component of our all of the above energy strategy,” Newhouse stated. “I was very pleased to see the passage of the CLEAN Act out of the U.S. House earlier today to help unlock the full potential of geothermal and boost energy production on federal lands across the west. I applaud Congressman Fulcher’s leadership and work on this important issue,” he added.
Implications for Future Energy Production
As the U.S. grapples with increasing energy demands and a shifting energy landscape, the CLEAN Act represents an important move towards enhancing renewable energy production, particularly geothermal energy. Expanding lease sales and streamlining the permitting process could potentially lead to a surge in geothermal projects, which are known for providing stable and clean energy compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Lawmakers and stakeholders will be watching closely as the bill moves forward, with hopes that it will lead to a timely rollout of geothermal facilities that can contribute significantly to the nation’s energy portfolio, reduce dependence on foreign energy sources, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
