An Act providing for geothermal energy development; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; promulgating regulations; establishing the Geothermal Energy Development Fund; and imposing penalties.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This act establishes the Geothermal Energy Development Act to promote geothermal energy development in Pennsylvania. It creates the Geothermal Energy Development Fund, imposes duties on the Department of Environmental Protection to regulate geothermal projects and wells, and establishes regulations for permitting and operations. The act also outlines penalties for violations and addresses ownership of geothermal resources, including repurposing existing wells.
Key provisions
- Establishes the Geothermal Energy Development Fund to support geothermal development.
- Defines key terms related to geothermal energy, such as ‘geothermal resource,’ ‘geothermal well,’ and ‘repurposed well.’
- Grants the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) authority to regulate geothermal energy projects and wells.
- Addresses ownership of geothermal resources, prioritizing surface property owners unless otherwise specified.
- Establishes a process for permitting geothermal energy projects, including requirements for public notice and environmental assessments.
- Defines civil penalties for violations of the act and related regulations.
- Allows for the repurposing of existing wells for geothermal energy production under specific conditions.
- Provides a temporary transition rule until regulations are fully established.
Who is affected
- Pennsylvania residents and businesses involved in geothermal energy development.
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 1380 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
9 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Christine Tartaglione
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