SLC Times

Senator Mike Lee, alongside Senators Martin Heinrich, James Risch, and Catherine Cortez Masto, introduced the Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act in an effort to accelerate the adoption of geothermal energy nationwide. The bill aims to streamline the permitting process and make geothermal energy a more feasible option for supplying baseload power across the United States.

Lee expressed the importance of the bill, stating, “By introducing this bill, we aim to break down the bureaucratic barriers that have stifled innovation and investment in geothermal technology for far too long. Our legislation will streamline the permitting process, making geothermal energy a more feasible option for supplying baseload power to communities across the United States.”

Heinrich highlighted New Mexico's readiness to lead the nation in geothermal energy deployment, stating, “With a highly skilled workforce already trained in the technologies of this emerging industry, New Mexico is ready to lead the nation in the deployment of geothermal energy.”

Risch emphasized Idaho's potential to scale up production of clean, reliable energy through geothermal resources, stating, “Idaho has long utilized the abundant natural geothermal resources just below its surface. With breakthrough technologies underway, there is great potential to scale up production of this clean, reliable energy.”

Cortez Masto pointed out Nevada's readiness to grow the geothermal energy sector, stating, “Nevada is primed to continue to grow our geothermal energy sector, which will play an essential role in our clean energy future.”

The GEO Act aims to put geothermal projects on an equal footing with oil and gas projects on public land, streamline leasing and permitting processes, and set new geothermal lease targets on federal lands. Rich Powell, CEO of ClearPath Action, emphasized the importance of the bill in achieving parity for renewable geothermal energy.

Sarah Jewett, VP of Strategy at Fervo Energy, commended the senators for their leadership in developing the GEO Act, stating, “Next-generation geothermal energy is available today to provide 24/7 clean and reliable electricity all over the West, creating jobs in rural communities and enhancing American energy security.”

Jeanine Vany, Eavor Co-founder and Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, expressed gratitude for the introduction of the legislation, emphasizing the importance of streamlining the permitting process to advance geothermal energy development on federal lands.

The GEO Act is seen as a crucial step towards accelerating the adoption of geothermal energy and supporting a clean energy future in the United States.