House passes bill to bolster geothermal energy production by increasing lease sale frequency
A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently passed the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act (CLEAN) in the House, aimed at boosting geothermal energy production by increasing the frequency of lease sales. This legislation will amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to require the Department of Interior (DOI) to hold lease sales every year, rather than every two years.
In addition to the annual lease sales, the CLEAN Act seeks to streamline the permit process by setting a 30-day deadline for the DOI to notify applicants if a permit has been approved. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the DOI hold a replacement sale if a lease sale is canceled or missed.
Despite some opposition from Democrats who argued that the 30-day deadline might not give the DOI enough time to conduct thorough project analysis, the bill received bipartisan support. It was approved by a vote of 213 Republicans and 31 Democrats.
Representative Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, who introduced the bill, emphasized the importance of leveraging geothermal resources on federally managed lands to enhance domestic energy production, reduce reliance on foreign adversaries, and meet the nation’s growing energy needs. Fulcher stated, “Geothermal energy has tremendous potential to provide reliable, clean energy for millions of Americans.”
The Western Caucus, led by Representative Dan Newhouse, R-Washington, also praised the passage of the CLEAN Act. Newhouse highlighted the significance of geothermal energy in the country’s energy strategy and commended Fulcher for his leadership on the issue.
The CLEAN Act’s approval signifies a step towards unlocking the full potential of geothermal energy and boosting energy production on federal lands, particularly in the western region. The bill aligns with the goal of diversifying the nation’s energy sources and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
As the CLEAN Act moves forward, it is expected to contribute to the development of a robust geothermal energy sector, supporting economic growth, energy security, and environmental conservation. With a focus on increasing lease opportunities and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, this legislation marks a significant milestone in advancing clean energy initiatives in the United States.
This article was written by Aubrie Spady, a Writer for Fox News Digital.
