FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Christianné Allen, Christianne.Allen@mail.house.gov
CONTACT: Marisa Melton, Marisa.Melton@mail.house.gov
Rep. Fulcher’s Geothermal Energy Bill Passes House
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher’s bill, the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act, H.R 1449, passed the House of Representatives and is on its way to the Senate.
The legislation is part of a broader effort by House Republicans to increase domestic power production and diversify the United States’ energy portfolio.
Following passage of the bill, U.S. Congressman Fulcher issued the following statement:
"Geothermal has the potential to be a key contributor to providing reliable, clean energy for millions of Americans. As nearly 90% of our nation's geothermal resources are located on federally managed lands, I introduced the CLEAN Act to remove red tape and require the Department of Interior to increase lease opportunities to bolster the exploration and development of this critical resource. This legislation is not only vital to reducing our reliance on foreign adversaries but meeting America’s growing energy demands. I am very pleased to see it head to the Senate.”
Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman added, "As global energy demand continues to rise, House Republicans are committed to supporting an all of the above energy future. We must ensure our energy needs are met right here at home, and today's CLEAN Act is a major step forward for developing domestic energy capacity and renewable energy resources. I want to thank Congressman Fulcher for his leadership on this legislation and his thoughtful work on energy issues across the country."
Background
To begin developing geothermal resources on federally controlled lands, projects must first obtain a lease, making consistent lease sales crucial to the expansion of this energy source.
The CLEAN Act amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to:
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Require yearly lease sales for geothermal energy;
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Require the Secretary to hold replacement lease sales for any sales that are missed in a given calendar year.
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