‘Creative’ GOP Geothermal Leasing Bill Draws Democrats’ Interest

An expanded geothermal energy program on federal lands has generated bipartisan interest in the House as members consider a Republican bill that would prioritize geothermal leasing on Western public lands.

The bill’s goals also have support from the Biden administration. Geothermal energy is part of the administration’s climate agenda aiming to use federal lands as a source of clean and renewable energy.

The legislation (H.R. 5350) “offers some very creative ideas” that have “enormous potential” for expanding the Bureau of Land Management’s geothermal leasing program, said Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), speaking Tuesday during a House Natural Resources subcommittee ...