USA, Washington:

Changes To Washington’s Geothermal Law Head To Governor Inslee’s Desk For Signature (PDF - News Release)

Today, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill modifying the state’s geothermal law. The bill (SSB 5369) was sponsored by Senator Adam Kline of Seattle, and passed the legislature with the support of the two state agencies principally charged with overseeing geothermal development, as well private sector stakeholders including AltaRock Energy and Weyerhaeuser.

Kathleen Callison, a natural resources attorney and chief drafter of the bill said, “The Legislature’s passage of this bill is a major step forward in supporting
development of Washington’s abundant, renewable geothermal resources.”

Highlights of the Law:

• The law as passed by the Legislature updates the definition of geothermal resources and makes it consistent with federal law and the laws of other states. 
• The law provides for enhanced coordination between agencies relating to use of water. 
• The law allows for flexibility in ownership.