6707 Netherlands Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 O M 919 694 1114 *2005 512 789 9709 E m.epley@sonicsampdrill.com I www.royaleijkelkamp.com/en-us/ Mike Epley Drilling Sales Manager 18 JUNE 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Bill Introduced to Promote Geothermal Exploration Adapted from Information by the United States Senate U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich from New Mexico, along with Senators James Risch of Idaho, Catherine Cortez Masto in Nevada, and Mike Lee from Utah, all members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act to help promote the adoption of geothermal energy nationwide. Next-generation geothermal technologies offer several advantages over other forms of clean energy - including its potential to complement wind and solar projects, ability to be deployed beyond hot and temperate regions, versatility to match local demand, and capacity to create new high-paying quality jobs. Geothermal heat can be used for industrial processes, mineral production, as well as aquaculture and agricultural applications, energy storage, and hydrogen production. It is especially suitable for energy-intensive direct air capture facilities and data centers. “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,” said Heinrich. “By breaking down barriers that are preventing companies from fully harnessing the power of geothermal energy, my bipartisan GEO Act builds on the successful efforts our state has advanced to unlock this new, carbon emissionfree energy source. This is how we will accelerate our clean energy future, grow our economy, lower costs for working Americans, and create more high-quality jobs that New Mexicans can build their families around.” New Mexico ranks sixth in the nation for geothermal resource availability. According to Lee, this bill will take away the bureaucratic obstacles which have suppressed innovation and investment in geothermal technology. “Our legislation will streamline the permitting process, making geothermal energy a more feasible option for supplying baseload power to communities across the United States, including Utah, which stands on the brink of becoming a leader in geothermal innovation. Through this bipartisan effort, we are preparing for a future where geothermal power plays a key role in our energy strategy,” he explained. The GEO Act would put geothermal projects on an equal footing with gas and oil projects on public land, and direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service to develop a streamlined process for geothermal observation well permits on public land. The bill also creates a Geothermal Ombudsman and Strike Team to provide additional resources for field offices. Additionally, it sets new geothermal lease targets on federal lands and require the BLM and Forest Service to hold auctions more frequently than every two years. The GEO Act, which would amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, will streamline the permitting process, expand development leasing, and provide much-needed resources to get more geothermal power onto the grid. Supporters believe this Act will cut the initial permitting process from its current 7-10 years, to a year or less. GEO For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com All New! Atlantis-Pro Vault • Traffic-Rated Capable • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation
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