West OC Times

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation introduced by Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) and Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) aimed at accelerating geothermal energy production in the United States.

H.R. 6474 seeks to expedite geothermal exploration and development in areas that have already been studied or developed. California and Nevada, which lead the nation in geothermal energy production, stand to benefit significantly from this legislation.

“Geothermal energy is a vital tool to make America more energy independent and less reliant on our adversaries. This legislation will provide a cleaner energy future and allow my home state of California to seize the reins as a leading national energy provider,” said Rep. Michelle Steel. “I was honored to work with Representative Susie Lee to successfully pass this legislation through the House of Representatives and look forward to its passage in the Senate.”

The bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005, introducing new categorical exclusions for geothermal projects under permitting requirements set by the National Environmental Policy Act.

“If we want to fully unleash our renewable energy potential, then we need to cut the red tape that has been a barrier to the growth of geothermal energy development,” said Congresswoman Lee. “I want to thank Congresswoman Steel for partnering on this commonsense, bipartisan bill to strengthen energy independence and help lower costs for the working families we represent.”

According to 2023 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, California accounts for 66.6% of the nation’s geothermal power while Nevada contributes 26.1%.

“America’s energy future requires an all-of-the-above strategy. Congresswoman Steel’s legislation that passed the House today will expedite geothermal energy projects and streamline development of our abundant geothermal energy sources right here in America. I applaud her for her thoughtful work on this issue and her forward-thinking legislative solution," said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman.

The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for approval.