Unlocking the Potential of Geothermal Energy: A Pivotal Moment in U.S. Clean Power Policy
In a significant development for the future of the nation’s energy landscape, the U.S. Congress has taken substantial strides to advance the deployment of geothermal energy. Recent bipartisan efforts on Capitol Hill have catalyzed a surge of momentum, signaling a newfound appreciation for this versatile and underutilized clean power source.
The passage of two geothermal-focused bills in the House of Representatives, championed by Representatives John Curtis (R-UT) and Michelle Steel (R-CA), marks a crucial milestone. Coupled with the inclusion of geothermal provisions in the Senate’s bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Act (EPRA), these legislative actions demonstrate a growing consensus around the need to address the barriers hindering widespread geothermal adoption.
“Geothermal technology has the potential to supply a sizable portion of U.S. energy needs from a clean, domestic source, further diversifying our energy mix,” notes the Niskanen Center, a prominent think tank that has been at the forefront of analyzing the policy landscape surrounding geothermal energy.
Unlocking the Vast Potential of Geothermal Power
While geothermal energy currently accounts for a modest 3.7 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity in the United States, recent advancements in technology have the potential to unlock an astounding 5,500 GW of geothermal potential – four times the current generating capacity of the entire U.S. grid.
This untapped clean energy resource, which harnesses the Earth’s natural heat, offers a compelling solution to diversify the nation’s power mix and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future. However, realizing this potential will require overcoming a constellation of regulatory, technological, and community-based challenges.
Addressing Geothermal’s Permitting Hurdles
One of the primary barriers to widespread geothermal deployment has been the complex and often lengthy permitting process. Geothermal projects face multiple, sequential federal environmental reviews throughout their development, as well as the need for authorizations from both federal and state agencies.
“As a lesser known energy technology, geothermal can also raise community concerns about water impacts and induced seismicity,” the Niskanen Center notes, further complicating the project approval process.
The GEO Act, introduced by Representative Curtis, aims to address this challenge by establishing a 60-day deadline for federal agencies to act once all regulatory requirements, such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental reviews, are complete. This targeted intervention could provide a modest acceleration in the permitting timeline for a limited number of geothermal projects.
Similarly, Representative Steel’s bill seeks to expand the categorical exclusion (catex) language in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to cover geothermal energy, in addition to the existing provisions for oil and gas. This would create parity in the treatment of geothermal with other energy sources, potentially streamlining the NEPA review process for certain geothermal development activities.
While these bills represent important steps in the right direction, the Niskanen Center emphasizes that comprehensive reforms are necessary to significantly accelerate geothermal project development. In this regard, the bipartisan EPRA introduced in the Senate offers a more holistic approach, encompassing seven subsections dedicated to geothermal leasing and permitting. These provisions include agency deadlines, categorical exclusions, concurrent review approaches, and the establishment of a coordinating Geothermal Ombudsman.
Leveraging Community Engagement for Successful Geothermal Deployment
In addition to addressing the regulatory hurdles, the Niskanen Center highlights the critical role of community engagement in the successful deployment of geothermal energy projects. As a less familiar technology, geothermal development can raise concerns among local communities regarding potential impacts on water resources and induced seismicity.
“Community engagement is also a critical mechanism for de-conflicting projects and adapting deployment to align best with community needs and goals,” the think tank emphasizes.
By proactively engaging with communities and addressing their concerns, geothermal developers can build trust, navigate local politics, and ultimately ensure that projects are integrated seamlessly into the fabric of the surrounding neighborhoods. This collaborative approach can not only mitigate potential conflicts but also leverage local knowledge to optimize project design and implementation.
Strengthening Government Capacity for Geothermal Deployment
Another key aspect highlighted by the Niskanen Center is the need to bolster government capacity to handle the permitting and regulatory responsibilities associated with geothermal energy projects. This includes increasing staffing, providing targeted training, investing in technology, and retaining experienced personnel within relevant federal agencies.
Additionally, the Niskanen Center advocates for enhanced coordination across federal agencies and between the state and federal levels. Such coordination can streamline the review and approval processes, ensuring that geothermal projects navigate the regulatory landscape efficiently.
Bipartisan Support for Geothermal’s Clean Energy Future
The broad, bipartisan support for the geothermal-focused bills in the House and Senate underscores the growing recognition of the technology’s importance in the nation’s clean energy future. Democrats and Republicans have demonstrated a shared commitment to policy reforms aimed at expanding geothermal deployment, a testament to the sector’s potential to contribute to a reliable, secure, and sustainable 21st-century energy system.
As the Niskanen Center notes, “Addressing the range of barriers this technology faces would enable geothermal to contribute to a clean, reliable, and secure 21st century energy system.”
Conclusion: Unlocking the Transformative Potential of Geothermal Energy
The recent legislative advancements on Capitol Hill represent a pivotal moment in the journey towards a more diversified and resilient U.S. energy landscape. By addressing the regulatory, technological, and community-based challenges that have historically hindered geothermal deployment, policymakers are clearing the path for this versatile clean energy source to reach its full potential.
As the Niskanen Center’s analysis suggests, the widespread adoption of geothermal power can provide a significant contribution to the nation’s clean energy transition, offering a reliable, domestic, and emissions-free alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based generation. With continued bipartisan support and strategic policy reforms, the United States is poised to harness the transformative power of geothermal energy, unlocking a new era of sustainable and equitable energy prosperity.
To stay informed on the latest developments in geothermal energy policy and advocacy, be sure to visit the Joint Action for Water website. There, you can access a wealth of resources and connect with a thriving community of water and sanitation professionals dedicated to driving positive change.
