SW Arkansas Times

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman recently presented testimony to the House Committee on Rules regarding two legislative proposals aimed at streamlining regulations and bolstering domestic energy production. The bills in question are H.R. 7409, known as the Harnessing Energy at Thermal Sources Act, and H.R. 8446, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act.

In his prepared remarks, Westerman expressed gratitude to Chairman Burgess for the opportunity to discuss these initiatives. He emphasized the potential of America's natural resources to be developed "more safely and cleaner than anywhere else in the world," highlighting how both pieces of legislation could enhance national energy security by reducing regulatory obstacles.

The first bill, H.R. 7409, introduced by Representative Young Kim from California, seeks to accelerate geothermal energy development on non-federal lands where federal minerals are present but not predominant. The proposal suggests deferring to state regulations when federal mineral involvement is below 50%, aiming to simplify compliance processes without affecting federal royalties from geothermal production.

Westerman noted that enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could significantly contribute to U.S. electricity generation by 2050 if supported by streamlined federal procedures like those proposed in this bill. States with notable geothermal potential include Colorado, California, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, as well as West Virginia and Pennsylvania identified for EGS feasibility.

The second bill under discussion is H.R. 8446, introduced by Representative Juan Ciscomani of Arizona. This act aims to align critical materials lists between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). By amending definitions within existing legislation—the Energy Act of 2020—H.R. 8446 intends to ensure a unified approach towards identifying essential minerals for U.S. economic stability and security.

According to Westerman's testimony: "H.R. 8446 would create a symbiotic relationship between the lists by placing critical materials on the Critical Minerals list." He further explained how each department’s criteria complement one another and stressed that this harmonization would help identify supply chain vulnerabilities more effectively.

Both bills have undergone committee hearings and mark-ups with bipartisan support evident for H.R. 8446 since June of this year.

Westerman concluded his testimony urging colleagues in Congress: "I urge my colleagues to support their passage on the Floor."