SW Arkansas Times

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman testified before the House Committee on Rules, advocating for H.R. 1449, known as the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act or CLEAN Act. This legislation aims to advance geothermal energy production by addressing leasing and permitting issues.

Westerman emphasized the potential of geothermal energy, citing predictions from the Department of Energy that it could provide over 90 gigawatts of electricity by 2050. He highlighted the need for a supportive federal regulatory structure to achieve this goal, noting that most geothermal resources are located in Western states.

"The only way we can meet this goal is to increase the rate of geothermal leasing and permitting," Westerman stated. The CLEAN Act, introduced by Representative Russ Fulcher from Idaho, proposes increasing the frequency of geothermal lease sales and streamlining drilling permit processes.

Westerman pointed out that despite statutory requirements for biennial lease sales in states like California, there have been no sales since 2016 due to bureaucratic delays. The bill mandates annual lease sales and replacement sales if any are missed. It also requires the Secretary of the Interior to respond to drilling permit applications within 30 days.

Addressing concerns about expedited deadlines potentially affecting environmental reviews, Westerman assured that "the bill does not waive the agencies’ responsibilities under these laws."

The CLEAN Act had a hearing and passed by voice vote in the Committee on Natural Resources. Westerman urged his colleagues to support it, stating its importance for U.S. energy dominance amid global competition.

H.R. 1449 amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to facilitate regular lease sales and prompt responses to permit applications.