USA:

US Senate to Consider Bill Targeting Barriers to Geothermal Development (Renewable Energy Magazine)

Would establish a 50 GW goal for geothermal development

Sen. Lisa Murkowski

A bill intended to unleash the potential of geothermal energy in the United States was introduced over the weekend, and, right out of the gate, it's got bipartisan support.

The bill, entitled "The Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015," is sponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington state.

Among its provisions is establishing a 50 GW goal for geothermal development. It also directs federal agencies to identify priority areas for development, allows federal oil and gas lease holders to obtain a non-competitive geothermal lease to facilitate coproduction of geothermal power, and will provide geothermal exploration test projects a limited categorical exclusion provided the lands involved present no extraordinary circumstances.

The bill will be considered by the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday.

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