New Legislation Spurs Geothermal Energy in the Golden State

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=45846

Sacramento, California Close on the heels of California's Governor signing SB1, comes SB 1294, which was signed into law last week to unlock geothermal energy development from constraints. According to the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), the bill will have the immediate effect of allowing for the continued operation and new expansion of the geothermal resources in the Imperial County area.

SB 1294, authored by Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny (D-San Diego), provides clarity on state regulation of the industry by resolving duplication of governmental regulation and confusion over responsibility for various environmental issues that have stalled new projects in the state. It passed unanimously from both houses of California's legislature.

"There is a vast reservoir of untapped geothermal energy yet to be developed, and Senator Ducheny's bill is a key to unlocking investment in those resources," said Karl Gawell, Executive Director of the GEA. "The industry greatly appreciates the Senator's leadership to champion this renewable resource, which is one of Imperial County's greatest assets."

Geothermal resources account for 5 percent of the state's electricity generation, but only a fraction of its potential has been tapped to date. Recent surveys of new development activity found 11 new power projects underway that would increase geothermal capacity in the state by more than 30%.

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[muesa]

1. "The Geysers" (Sonoma County) CA?

Is there any geothermal energy that can be captured from "The Geysers" in Sonoma County CA?

Also, the "Old Faithful" Geysers in Calistoga CA and Yellowstone National Park.

Somehow I have this notion that geothermal energy is associated with seismic activity and volcanic activity?