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Home » Issues » Polling (ENERGY -- CLEAN ENERGY -- GEOTHERMAL ENERGY)

Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is energy that is produced by heat from the Earth. This heat results from decaying radioactive elements in the Earth’s mantle. It is estimated that the thermal energy situated within 6 miles of Earth's surface contains 50,000 times more energy than the world’s oil and natural gas reserves. Geothermal energy is acquired by tapping into underground reservoirs of heat that are often, but not necessarily, located near volcanoes, hot springs and geysers. Some geothermal power plants capture steam that naturally vents at these formations. Other plants drill boreholes and pump water into the rock surrounding these geothermal features. In either case, steam is captured in pipes that lead to turbines which turn electrical generators. About 0.4% of America’s electricity is now produced by geothermal energy. Supporters claim geothermal power is clean, sustainable, offers constant output and is grossly underutilized.

Pending Legislation: H.R.1449 - CLEAN Act
Sponsor: Rep. Russ Fulcher (ID)
Status: Passed subcommittee. Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote (Natural Resources)
Chair: Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR)

I oppose reforming current geothermal power policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Mike Johnson (LA) .
I support requiring the Department of the Interior to increase the frequency of lease sales under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and establishes deadlines for consideration of geothermal drilling permits by:

1.) Increasing the frequency of sales in any state that has pending nominations of land to be leased from qualified companies or individuals. Currently, Interior must hold lease sales at least once every two years.

2.) Requiring Interior to hold a sale at least once a year. If a lease sale is canceled or delayed, then Interior must conduct a replacement sale during the same year.

3.) Requiring Interior to notify an applicant whether or not its application for a geothermal drilling permit is complete within 30 days of receiving the application. If Interior determines that the application is complete, then it must issue a final decision on the applications within 30 days of the date Interior sent the notification.

And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

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Poll Opening Date

December 30, 2024

Poll Closing Date

January 5, 2025

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