Arizona congressional lawmakers advance bills to boost geothermal energy production
As geothermal energy interest has grown in Arizona, congressional lawmakers have advanced measures in Washington to give the industry a boost.
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Yassamin Ansari that would set standards for geothermal leasing and permitting on federal lands.
It was passed in a bipartisan package of related bills in the House on Tuesday.
In a video posted to X, Rep. Ansari says it would help expedite geothermal projects.
“This bill is going to be a very practical solution to make sure that we’re continuing to accelerate clean energy in the United States of America,” Ansari said.
Last month, Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego introduced a bill in his chamber that would allow the Department of Interior to recoup administrative costs from developers.
It mirrors a bill sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that was approved in the House’s package.