Next-Generation Geothermal Development Important Tool for Clean Energy Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Biden Administration's proposal to encourage the next generation of geothermal development on public lands will speed the country's transition to a clean energy economy.

There are 51 power plants producing geothermal energy on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and new technologies have the potential to access vast areas of underground heat with relatively minimal ecological impact compared to other forms of energy. As with all energy infrastructure, the National Wildlife Federation urged the administration to ensure wildlife-responsible siting and proactive local engagement when assessing locations and development.

"The newest forms of geothermal energy hold the promise of generating electricity 24 hours a day using an endlessly renewable, pollution-free resource: heat from the earth's underground hot, dry rock. In addition, it causes less disturbance to public lands and wildlife habitat--and without climate-altering pollution--than many other forms of energy development," said Shannon Heyck-Williams, associate vice president of climate and energy at National Wildlife Federation. "We are pleased to see BLM's interest in balancing protection of our natural treasures with the need for a clean energy transition. We urge more research and additional public and private investment to develop this clean, reliable energy resource."