Newly proposed categorical exclusion could bolster deployment of superhot rock geothermal energy
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management proposed a new categorical exclusion (CX) aiming to accelerate responsible geothermal development on public lands and streamline the environmental review process for geothermal resource confirmation operations plans up to 20 acres.
“Effective and efficient environmental review is critical to the buildout of clean energy infrastructure needed to achieve U.S. climate goals,” said Terra Rogers, Director for Superhot Rock Energy at Clean Air Task Force (CATF). “There are immense opportunities for geothermal energy, but challenges with inefficient permitting processes have slowed or stalled our ability to take advantage of that potential. We look forward to commenting on today’s proposal to ensure the environmental review process is rigorous but efficient so we can realize the climate benefits of geothermal technologies.”
Earlier this year, CATF conducted first-of-a-kind heat modeling , which found that just 1% of the United States’ superhot rock energy potential could produce 4.3 terawatts of clean firm power – over 1,000 times the current installed geothermal capacity. CATF also released a policy brief that highlights challenges, opportunities, and recommendations to overcome barriers and tap into the full potential of the heat beneath our feat.
The proposed categorical exclusion will be published in the Federal Register, followed by a 30-day public comment period.
Press Contact
Samantha Sadowski, Communications Manager, U.S., ssadowski@catf.us, +1 202-440-1717
About Clean Air Task Force
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With more than 25 years of internationally recognized expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world. Visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.
