Is America warming up to Geothermal Energy?

Rapid expansion and utilization of renewable energy technologies are at the core of the administration’s priorities and a critical “game changer” for renewables will be the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). ARRA committed $400 million for geothermal technologies, dwarfing previous government commitments. Geothermal energy is baseload and renewable, with a small footprint and an enormous resource potential. Increased funding, political support, and rising concerns regarding climate change have created the perfect storm for exponentially deploying geothermal energy. Is the time finally right? A panel consisting of Ed Wall, program manager from the Geothermal Technologies Program at Department of Energy, Kermit Witherbee, Bureau of Land Management at Department of Interior, and Andrew Sabin, Naval Air Weapons Station Geothermal Program Office, will discuss the complexities and challenges facing the industry, from financing and policy to leasing and permitting.

Senator Merkley, or a member of his staff, will address the legislative agenda related to jump-starting a clean energy economy to create sustainable jobs.