House bill looks to bolster geothermal research

Source: By Jeremy Dillon, E&E News reporter • Posted: Sunday, December 15, 2019

The House Science, Space and Technology Committee’s leadership announced legislation to advance the Department of Energy’s research and development efforts into geothermal energy.

The bill, H.R. 5374, from Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) and ranking member Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), matches legislation, S. 2657, that already moved out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The measure would look to infuse additional research and funding authorizations into DOE’s efforts on geothermal as a way to better unlock the technology.

The department this year said it has the potential for a massive increase in deployment over the next three decades.

“As our nation’s energy needs continue to grow, it is crucial that we invest in research and development of technologies like these with significant potential for clean energy production,” Johnson said in a statement.