CLEAN Act Aims to Fast-Track Geothermal Energy Projects: New Rules Expedite Leasing and Permitting

The "Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act," or CLEAN Act, is all about speeding up the development of geothermal energy on public lands. It's a straightforward push to make it easier for companies to tap into this renewable resource. Let's break down how it works.

Drilling Down on Geothermal

The core of the CLEAN Act is streamlining. The bill tackles the often-slow process of getting geothermal projects approved. Here’s the deal:

• No More Lease Sale Delays: If a scheduled geothermal lease sale gets canceled or postponed, the Secretary of the Interior must hold a replacement sale within the same year. (SEC. 2)
• All In on Available Land: When a lease sale happens, the Secretary of the Interior has to offer all nominated parcels that are currently eligible for geothermal development. (SEC. 2)
• Fast-Tracked Permits: The bill sets tight deadlines for permit processing. When a company applies for a geothermal drilling permit, the Secretary of the Interior has 30 days to tell them if the application is complete or needs more info. And once an application is complete, the Secretary has just 30 days to make a final decision. (SEC. 2)

Real-World Impact

So, what does this mean in practice? Imagine a geothermal company eyeing a promising site in Nevada. Under current rules, getting the necessary leases and permits could be a drawn-out affair. The CLEAN Act aims to cut through the red tape. For example, if a planned lease sale in June gets bumped, the Department of the Interior has to reschedule it before the year's end. This offers more certainty for companies, allowing them to make investment decisions faster.

Or picture a small startup with innovative geothermal tech. They identify several parcels of land perfect for a new project. This bill ensures all those suitable locations are up for grabs in a lease sale, giving smaller players a fair shot. And with the 30-day shot clock on permit decisions, these companies won't be left waiting in limbo, potentially saving them time and money.

Potential Bumps in the Road

While the CLEAN Act aims for efficiency, there are potential trade-offs. The fast-tracked permitting could mean less time for thorough environmental reviews. Imagine a scenario where a geothermal project, expedited under these new rules, ends up impacting a local water source. It is important to ensure strong environmental safety standards are in place.

Overall, the CLEAN Act focuses on making geothermal energy development more efficient. It's about cutting delays and giving companies a clearer, faster path to getting projects off the ground. Whether you're a construction worker building the plant, a tech specialist monitoring the wells, or an office worker managing the project, this bill is designed to get things moving.