Geothermal energy bills introduced for exploration and production

The American Geological Institute reports in its monthly Government Affairs Report that "Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced the Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act of 2011 (S.1142). This bill supports mapping and development of U.S. geothermal resources through the establishment of a federal direct loan program focused mainly on high risk exploration wells. The bill would amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-140) to expand use of geothermal energy. The Geothermal Production Expansion Act of 2011 (S.1149) was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) to expand geothermal production on federal land. Both bills have been referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. the National Geothermal Data System of the Department of Energy." [right, Geothermal Map of North America by David Blackwell, SMU. Credit, AAPG]

One provision of S1142 is that data from all exploratory wells that are carried out under the program will have to be included in the National Geothermal Data System of the Department of Energy. AZGS is helping develop, deploy, and populate the NGDS under two DOE contracts (www.stategeothermaldata.org).