Geothermal Rising Hill Day 2024 Recap

The Geothermal Rising Hill Day 2024 was a tremendous success, with our members and staff holding 58 Congressional meetings to advocate for the future of geothermal energy. Discussions highlighted the need for permitting and leasing reform, demonstration funding, and risk mitigation to support geothermal development.

DID YOU KNOW?

Geothermal heat pumping systems use 25%-50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems.

We are pleased to share the success of our recent Hill Day, where our dedicated staff and members held 58 Congressional meetings with 47 participants, advocating for the future of geothermal energy and educating on its benefits. Our members and staff discussed with various Congressional Representatives the need for permitting and leasing reform, demonstration funding, and risk mitigation, aiming to enhance the growth and sustainability of geothermal energy. These interactions emphasized the need for a modern approach to geothermal energy development. We are thrilled with the genuine interest and enthusiasm shown by most Congressional offices we met with. The success of Geothermal Rising Hill Day 2024 is a testament to the commitment and passion of our members

Key Feedback

Support for GTO Budget: Multiple representatives showed strong support for maintaining the Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) budget despite a tough budget year.
Permitting: Various discussions highlighted a potential statutory authority for BLM to collaborate with non-profits for long-term placements to assist with permitting. There was also interest in hiring dedicated geothermal permitting staff.
Legislative Consolidations: There was consensus that geothermal objectives should be integrated into a broader comprehensive permitting package, which would be more effective than various individual bills.
Appropriations: Representatives stressed the importance of bipartisan support for appropriations, noting the necessity of endorsements from both Republican and Democratic offices.
Risk Mitigation: Encouragements to follow up with a developed risk mitigation proposal, particularly relevant to certain Representatives' interests. Given the interest from several Representatives, we will prepare detailed pitches and documents outlining the benefits and implementation of a risk mitigation fund or program.

Overall, there was positive and supportive engagement from all offices, showcasing broad bipartisan support and interest for our industry, although specific guidance and priorities varied between the two parties. Many Representatives were surprised by the potential and benefits of geothermal, expressing gratitude for our advocacy. These insights and the overall positive feedback indicate strong potential for continued engagement and advocacy, showcasing the potential of geothermal energy in the future of the U.S. energy portfolio.

Geothermal Champion Award Recipients

Additionally, in recognition of their exceptional support for geothermal energy, Geothermal Rising presented Geothermal Champion Awards to 17 distinguished Congressional leaders. This accolade honors their various work in Congress, on-record, and on social media, promoting the advancement of clean, renewable, reliable geothermal energy over the past year. Notably, their leadership in sponsoring critical legislation, and support of maintaining the Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO).

Senator Martin Heinrich

Senator James E. Risch

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

Senator Mike Lee

Senator Alex Padilla

Senator Jacky Rosen

Senator John Hickenlooper

Congresswoman Young Kim

Congresswoman Michelle Steel

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Congressman Russ Fulcher

Congresswoman Susie Lee

Congressman John Curtis

Congressman Dan Newhouse

Congressman John Duarte

Senator Mike Crapo

Congresswoman Mary Peltola