Supporting Geothermal Energy Production and Diversifying U.S. Energy

Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable energy source that comes from heat generated by the Earth and provides an efficient, dependable power source for long periods of time. Having a diverse energy portfolio is crucial to our nation’s energy security and independence, and a clean, reliable energy source like geothermal energy is a great way to expand our portfolio and meet our nation’s growing demand domestically. 

While the United States has the resources to produce considerable amounts of geothermal energy, most usable geothermal resources are located on federal lands – meaning lease sales are vital to spurring American geothermal energy production. 

Currently, the Interior Department only holds lease sales once every two years, preventing utilization of our resources, domestic geothermal production, and energy diversification, and leaving us dependent on foreign adversaries for our energy needs. 

We should be promoting the expansion and production of geothermal energy, not slowing it down with infrequent lease sales and onerous red-tape.

House Republicans are bringing legislation to bolster our energy security and diversity by removing burdensome bureaucracy, increasing lease sales, and unleashing American geothermal energy production.

H.R. 1449, the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act, introduced by Rep. Russ Fulcher, requires the Interior Department to increase the frequency of geothermal lease sales from every two years to every year and hold a replacement sale if one is canceled or missed, and creates deadlines to inform geothermal drilling permit applicants of the decision on their application.

Unleashing American energy means increasing production of diverse energy sources across the board to reduce risks of disruptions, support our energy security, and protect our national security – we won’t stop working to restore American energy independence and lower energy costs for workers and families.