USA:

Senate Energy Panel Approves Reform Bill (The Hill)

Includes setting a 50,000 MW National Geothermal Goal

After three days of debate, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted Thursday to approve its attempt at the first broad energy policy reform bill in eight years.

The Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 passed by a vote of 18-4 after the panel approved various bipartisan amendments but rejected others that did not have wide support.

The bill includes a number of policy priorities from both Republicans and Democrats and came as a result of months of negotiations, meetings outreach and other activities aimed at a truly bipartisan bill.

The Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015, introduced last week features five titles reflecting common ground on energy efficiency, infrastructure, supply, accountability, and land conservation.

In the supply title, it includes several provisions supporting geothermal energy including setting a 50,000 MW National Geothermal Goal.

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