Legislation sponsored on Sept. 26 by U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) aims to decrease federal permitting delays on geothermal projects in an effort to help expand energy production across the United States.
“We need an all-of-the-above energy approach that strengthens our national security and keeps costs down for everyday Americans,” Rep. Kim said, noting that her bipartisan bill would cut “unnecessary red tape” and bring more affordable, reliable energy online.
“For working families in California, where energy bills have nearly doubled in the past 15 years, this bill can’t reach the president’s desk fast enough,” she added.
The Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, H.R. 5587, is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA). If enacted, the bill would streamline the permitting process for geothermal energy projects by eliminating duplicative federal requirements when a valid state permit is already in place.
For projects on non-federal lands where the U.S. holds only a minor stake, H.R. 5587 would ensure that development could move forward without federal delays, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Kim’s staff.
“The bipartisan HEATS Act would lower energy costs for Valley families and move our country toward energy independence by unleashing geothermal production,” said Rep. Gray. “I’m proud to work with Rep. Kim to introduce this bill to secure safe, reliable clean energy, create good-paying jobs, and drive down prices for the Valley.”
H.R. 5587 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.