Biden administration proposes to boost geothermal energy projects by cutting early-stage environmental reviews
The Biden administration proposed this week to speed up the process of approving geothermal energy projects by exempting them from early-stage environmental reviews.
If the Bureau of Land Management finalizes its proposal, geothermal energy projects on public lands will no longer have to undergo an environmental impact analysis for early stage confirmation that an area is suitable for geothermal activity.
Companies will still have to undergo environmental review to actually harness geothermal energy.
Geothermal power is energy produced from heat that’s deep within the Earth. It is a climate-friendly and renewable source of energy.
While the proposal would only apply to public lands, much of the land in the Western U.S. is owned by the government, and that area is a particular hotspot.
The Biden administration’s press release particularly noted that the proposal could bolster production in swing-state Nevada, home to some of the largest geothermal potential in the country.
“Geothermal energy is one of our greatest untapped clean energy resources on public lands,” Steve Feldgus, the Interior Department’s principal deputy assistant secretary for land and minerals management, said in a written statement.
“Today’s actions are part of the Department’s work to deliver on new opportunities, new technologies, and new solutions in geothermal energy that support the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to create jobs, economic growth, and clean carbon-free electricity for communities throughout the West,” he said.
In addition to the proposal, the administration this week also approved a major geothermal energy project, the Fervo Cape Geothermal Power Project in Utah. This project could generate enough energy to power more than 2 million homes.
Jeanine Vany, co-founder and executive vice president of corporate affairs at geothermal company Eavor, praised news of the potential changes in environmental analysis, but also said that more needs to be done to help the emerging industry.
She said the announcement would mean her company is “absolutely” more likely to invest in geothermal on public lands but that another exemption is needed to level “the playing field with oil and gas.”
“If we really want to expedite clean energy across the United States, particularly on the geothermal front, Congress should look at a more robust and integrated regulatory environment for geothermal,” Vany said.
Date: | |
Tag: | Joe Biden |
-
Politics - The Hill
Biden gives geothermal a boost
{beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story Biden administration gives geothermal energy a boost The administration proposed this week to speed up approvals for geothermal ...2 hours ago - Joe Biden -
World - The Wall Street Journal
Biden Administration Issues Warning to Israel on Gaza Aid
The administration is urging Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or risk a cut to arms sales, the starkest threat by the U.S. since the war began last year.3 days ago - Joe Biden -
Business - Inc.
Petitions to Unionize Doubled Under Biden Administration
Workers filed 3,286 bids with the government to form unions, the first increase in a presidential term since Gerald Ford left office in 1976.2 days ago - Joe Biden -
Business - Financial Times
China to boost lending for stalled property projects to $560bn
Beijing is trying to restore confidence in economy amid prolonged real estate slowdownYesterday - China -
Business - Inc.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Projects Get Government Boost
The Department of Energy offered conditional loan guarantees worth about $3 billion for two sustainable aviation fuel projects in Montana and South Dakota.Yesterday -
World - The Guardian
Trump team to ban Project 2025 affiliates from future administration – report
Ex-president continues to distance himself from Heritage Foundation document as son preps staff blacklist. US politics – live updates Donald Trump ’s transition team is reportedly preparing a ...Yesterday - Donald Trump -
World - The Guardian
Billie Eilish review – a bravura arena set offers both energy and intimacy
Madison Square Garden, New York . The singer continues a wildly successful year with a major tour that gives fans a fast and furious ride through her biggest hits. How can an artist who’s reached ...Yesterday -
Politics - The Hill
Ocasio-Cortez criticizes Biden administration over 'unrestrained' Israel government
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) criticized the Biden administration on Monday over what she called an “unrestrained” Israeli government. “The horrors unfolding in northern Gaza are the ...4 days ago - Joe Biden -
Politics - The Hill
At $1 trillion, Biden-Harris the most wasteful administration ever
The Biden-Harris administration has wasted more money than any other administration in modern history, with $1 trillion wasted on improper payments, and an additional $7.65 trillion in deficit ...3 days ago - Joe Biden
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
Watch live: Harris rallies suburban voters outside Detroit
Vice President Harris is rallying voters outside of Detroit on Friday evening, concluding this week's swing through the "blue wall" battleground states. With just 18 days left until Election Day, ...1 hour ago - Kamala Harris -
Politics - The Hill
Defense contractor Raytheon to pay almost $1B for defrauding DOD
Raytheon Co., part of parent defense contractor RTX, will pay more than $950 million to resolve Justice Department allegations that it defrauded the Defense Department (DOD) and paid bribes to a ...1 hour ago -
Politics - The Hill
Boeing supplier Spirit Aero to furlough employees amid strike
Spirit AeroSystems announced plans to furlough 700 workers for 21 days Friday due to the ongoing Boeing employee strike. The company’s hourly direct, support functions and management employees in ...1 hour ago -
Politics - The Hill
Chris Wallace: Questions about Trump's fitness 'working for Harris'
CNN host Chris Wallace said that questions about former President Trump’s physical state, well-being and age are working in favor of Vice President Harris. “This question of mental and physical ...2 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Biden gives geothermal a boost
{beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story Biden administration gives geothermal energy a boost The administration proposed this week to speed up approvals for geothermal ...2 hours ago - Joe Biden