SW Arkansas Times

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill from the House Committee on Natural Resources aimed at boosting domestic energy production and advancing geothermal energy development in the United States. Bruce Westerman, Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, commented on the passage.

"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."

The bill in question is H.R. 1449, known as the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act or CLEAN Act. Introduced by U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher from Idaho, it seeks to address geothermal leasing and permitting challenges by amending the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. The amendment mandates that the Secretary of the Interior conduct annual lease sales for geothermal energy. Should any lease sale be missed, replacement sales must occur within the same year. Additionally, it requires a response to geothermal drilling permit applications within 30 days of receipt.