Alternative energy resource bill passed in state legislature
The Desert Sun|Jehán Seirafi|August 25, 2006
A bill to promote geothermal energy development in California was unanimously approved in both houses of the state’s legislature and signed into law Tuesday.
A bill to promote geothermal energy development in California was unanimously approved in both houses of the state’s legislature and signed into law Tuesday.
Authored by Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny (D-San Diego), the legislation, SB1294, will help to clarify State agencies roles in dealing with the resource industry.
Geothermal energy is an underutilized resource that generates electricity from heated underground water sources, the same energy that heats the valley’s natural mineral springs.
Currently geothermal energy accounts for only five percent of the state’s generation. Estimates of geothermal power projects currently underway would possibly increase the state’s geothermal capacity by 30 percent.
Previous efforts in California to benefit from this natural resource have ended mostly in duplication of governmental regulation and confusion over responsibilities.
The bill is meant …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]Authored by Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny (D-San Diego), the legislation, SB1294, will help to clarify State agencies roles in dealing with the resource industry.
Geothermal energy is an underutilized resource that generates electricity from heated underground water sources, the same energy that heats the valley’s natural mineral springs.
Currently geothermal energy accounts for only five percent of the state’s generation. Estimates of geothermal power projects currently underway would possibly increase the state’s geothermal capacity by 30 percent.
Previous efforts in California to benefit from this natural resource have ended mostly in duplication of governmental regulation and confusion over responsibilities.
The bill is meant to rectify previous problems, tap into unused resources and create additional jobs, specifically in the Imperial County area.