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The Washington state House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that advances research on renewable energy by improving the permitting process for geothermal exploration.
The bill was sponsored by Republican Sen. Sharon Brown of Kennewick.
"Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable, environmentally-friendly resource that new technology and research are making even more viable," Brown said. " I'm pleased to see the House and the Senate come together to unanimously approve this important reform bill that makes it easier to conduct general circulation within the county.
Under Senate Bill 5470, as amended by the House, a person drilling multiple core holes while gathering geothermal test data only has to pay a single permit fee of $200 to DNR. The bill also eliminates redundant public hearings and notice requirements associated with geothermal core holes.
Because the bill was amended in the House, the measure now returns to the Senate, where Brown and her colleagues will have an opportunity to agree with the House changes.
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Under Senate Bill 5470, as amended by the House, a person drilling multiple core holes while gathering geothermal test data only has to pay a single permit fee of $200 to DNR. The bill also eliminates redundant public hearings and notice requirements associated with geothermal core holes.
Because the bill was amended in the House, the measure now returns to the Senate, where Brown and her colleagues will have an opportunity to agree with the House changes.
Read More.........